WILDLIFE warden Ron Varey is so impressed with his flock of rare black Hebridean sheep that he plans to make sure they multiply!

Ron, who works for North West Water, introduced the breed because they eat only molinia or white grass, which allows moorland heather to flourish.

The resulting benefits to water quality has prompted the company to increase the number of breeding ewes from seven to 30.

"The heather not only protects the moorland, but it also improves the quality of water in local reservoirs by reducing the amount of top soil washed down from the hills.

"We are the first water company to use Hebrideans which are a pedigree breed from the highlands of Scotland," said Ron, who is based on the southern outskirts of Darwen.

"Introducing this breed is just one way we are looking to protect our water resources and preserve the beauty and wildlife across our land."

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