A sheep shearer says a giant fleece removed from a sheep near Spilsby is the largest he has ever seen.

The fleece measured about 8ft by 8ft (2.4m by 2.4m), according to Carl Sutton, who works across Lincolnshire.

The coat came from a Lincoln Longwool, a large heritage breed.

Sutton said the sheep "definitely felt better" after it was shorn last week.

Angie Beale, from the Black Barn Therapy Farm at Old Bolingbroke keeps some of the breed as therapy sheep.

"They just bring a smile to your face," she said.

A mature ram can weigh in the region of 19 to 24 stone (120 to 150kg).

According to The Lincoln Longwool Sheep Breeders' Association, the breed is the largest native sheep in the UK.

The animals were bred primarily for their wool, but have declined in numbers.

Sutton said: "They've got wool right from the nose to the tails and everywhere else.

"So, you get a massive fleece. They are big sheep, but that's the biggest fleece we've had."

Beale said: "It was absolutely huge.

"It was a really hot day, and we just couldn't believe it as it was coming off.

"She's such a weight for him to hold anyway, but he did a fantastic job getting it all off in one piece for us."

Sutton said: "We had a nice breeze blowing through, and we got it all off like you do in one.

"It definitely felt better after it."