SHEEP are safely grazing in the centuries-old churchyard of Crambe Church, saving its handful-size congregation much-needed money to run the near 1000-year-old building in the beauty spot village.

Farmer Ron Verity's flock of Jacob sheep, which themselves have their origins in Biblical times, have been keeping the graveyard trimmed for years.

"They are very cheap grass mowers!" he says. "Though I do have to keep them away from the newer part of the churchyard where people put flowers on graves."

And his flock's fame extends well beyond Crambe, with him being a leading exhibitor of the breed at agricultural shows over a wide area.

As a successful breeder over many years, he has won several awards.

"They are very content to spend their time in the peace of the churchyard," says Ron.

Updated: 11:06 Thursday, March 14, 2002