Shepherd takes 'therapy sheep' to get GCSE results

Milly said Kevin, the four-year-old rare breed sheep, is her best friend

A teenage shepherd has taken her "best friend" with her to collect her GCSE results - her sheep, Kevin.

Milly, 16, who has won awards for sheep-handling, brought along the North Ronaldsay ram to pick up her results from Tarleton Academy near Preston in Lancashire.

"He's my best friend and he comes pretty much everywhere with me," she said.

Milly said the four-year-old rare breed acted as a "therapy sheep" to calm her exam nerves, and even accompanied her to the school prom, wearing a halter which matched her dress.

As well as achieving the grades she was expecting, including two grade 7s and two grade 6s, Milly had another reason to celebrate.

She received a phone call on Wednesday night to offer her a veterinary nurse apprenticeship at a farm vets.

'Fantastic role model'

The sheep and shepherd paring are also getting ready for the Young Shepherd of the Year competition in November which Milly has qualified for.

Her family were planning a meal at the pub to celebrate on Thursday night, although Kevin would not be able to join them because "he's not old enough to drink beer yet".

The teenager regularly shows Kevin and this year won first place in the over-11s young handler's class at the Trawden Agricultural Show.

Scott Parker, headteacher at Tarleton, which is part of the Endeavour Learning Trust, said: "Milly's dedication, both academically and beyond the classroom, is exceptional.

"Her commitment to her interests and her ability to balance them alongside her studies speaks volumes about her character, work ethic and maturity.

"She is a fantastic role model for her peers and I've no doubt at all that she has a bright future ahead."