TWO professional shearers are today attempting to break a world record in aid of the Stars Appeal.

Jonny Roberts and Martin Howlett started their attempt to break the eight-hour 2 Stand Strong Ewe World Shearing Record this morning at Bigley Farm, Alvediston, Salisbury.

This is the first record attempt of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere by two UK shearers, who together will need to shear in excess of 1068 ewes to break the existing record.

As reported, Jonny and Martin will be under the scrutiny of judges from the World Sheep Shearing Records Society.

Four judges will be present during the record, two from the UK and two from Australasia.

But, in preparation for the challenge, both Jonny and Martin are under the expert guidance of world-renowned professional shearer and world record holder Matt Smith.

Matt, who lives in Launceston in Cornwall, himself broke the 9 Hour Ewe World Record in 2016, and is aware of the "absolute commitment, dedication and complete focus both shearers need to have to succeed".

They are being sponsored by several companies who have donated much needed funds and equipment which include Heiniger in Switzerland and Laurence Pierce (Wool Merchants) as well as a host of other organisations who have lent their support to help them to attempt the record.

Both Jonny and Martin have also pledged to donate any sponsorship to the Stars Appeal at the end of the record.