BY CONOR SHARKEY

THE North West Mountain Rescue team was praised this week after saving a Plumbridge farmer's sheep from almost certain death.

The drama unfolded last Wednesday evening when a ewe belonging to farmer Peter McCullagh became stranded on a ledge 80 foot down in the Butterlope Glen area of the Sperrins.

Eager to rescue the stricken animal, Mr McCullagh abseiled down the rock face, however the rope he was using was to short.

On Thursday, the police were called in and they advised the farmer to contact the North West Mountain Rescue Team.

Taking up the story, Mr McCullagh said: "When I found the animal, I contacted the USPCA and the police but they told me there was nothing they could do for the ewe.

"At the end of the day I suppose, is it worth risking your life for a sheep? They then advised that I speak to the Mountain Rescue Team, which I did.

" On Thursday, a group of four volunteers came out to have a look at the situation and they told me they would be back on Friday to help the sheep to safety.

"A whole squad landed back on Friday and abseiled down and secured a net around the ewe before lowering it to the ground.

"They made it look like a training exercise the way they went about it and I can't thank them enough.

"They are an amazing bunch of people and I owe them a big favour," he said.

So was the sheep baaa-dly traumatised as a result of its ordeal?

"Not at all, she's in great form. She's been running about all over the place and I've hardly been able to catch her since," Peter added.

LEFT: Plumbridge famer Peter McCullagh with his ewe which was saved from certain death by the North West Mountain rescue team.