ONE man and his ducks - yes, ducks - are taking the sheepdog trials world by storm.

Farmer Meirion Owen might seem quackers but since he replaced his sheep with ducks he has ruffled a few feathers at One Man and His Dog-style shows.

The Llanarthne farmer is now getting ready to take a combination of dogs and ducks to the Royal Bath and West Show later this month, where he expects to raise a few eyebrows, if not earn a trophy or two.

Mr Owen, 40, said: "Sheepdogs love to work and will work any stock for you. Shows are a way for the dogs to relax, and the ducks are so used to them they don't get stressed - they know it's a fun day out."

He explained that his beloved hobby came under threat during last year's foot and mouth crisis due to the restrictions on moving sheep.

So he adapted his skills and replaced his sheep with ducks - a move that has earned him some notoriety in farming circles.

He has been competing in trials since he was nine, winning more than 200 competitions along the way.

Mr Owen has followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and became a small screen celebrity on the One Man and His Dog TV show.

It is a talent that runs in the family as his eight-year-old son Iestyn now accompanies him to competitions.

Tickets for the show, between May 29 and June 1 can be obtained by calling 01749 822222 or visiting the show's web site www.bathandwest.co.uk.