Real sheep are to return to Skipton Sheep Day after a break of four years.

Live sheep have been missing from the event since 2006 when restrictions on their movement were brought in.

Organisers filled in with other entertainment, including replacing sheep with ducks and geese in sheep dog demonstrations.

But on Sunday, sheep will return to the event in force.

Town manager Brett Butler said as popular as the event was, it would be even better with the return of the sheep.

“We’re particularly delighted to welcome real sheep back onto the High Street,” he said. “Movement restrictions have made this impossible in recent years, but we’re glad to say we can now bring sheep back into Sheep Town.”

Visitors to the event will be treated to sheep racing and sheep shearing demonstrations and will be able to get up close to some rare breeds.

The Mellin family will be returning with their ever-popular sheep dog demonstrations featuring ducks and geese.

Action will be centred on the High Street and will include demonstrations in dry stone walling and chainsaw carving.

Younger children will be able to visit a marquee full of sheep-related activities and will be shown how to milk with the help of Daisy Duke.

There will be live entertainment throughout the day and the event will also see the launch of the schools and community project part of the Flock to Skipton sheep sculpture trail.

Sheep Day will run from 10am to 4pm with the High Street closed to traffic from early in the day.

“No overnight parking will be allowed on High Street on Saturday night and we would very much appreciate the assistance of car drivers in this,” said Mr Butler.

“The road closure could take place from as early as 6am and once it is in force, any vehicles left from the night before could be blocked in and it will not be possible to retrieve them until 5pm on Sunday at the earliest.”