Thousands back wool Olympics bid

More than 11,000 people have signed a petition to back a campaign to use the 2012 Olympic Games as a platform to back the British wool industry.

Richard Savory of the Little Sheep Show, which tours agricultural events telling the story of the industry, was outside York Minster with Nobby the Norfolk horn as campaigners gathered to unveiled a specially-commissioned Union Flag made entirely from Yorkshire wool. The flag was spun, dyed and crocheted by Sheffield spinner Diane Fisher – which they hope to present to Olympic organisers as a symbol of farmers' commitment to the Games.

The campaign wants British wool used wherever possible at the London Olympics.

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The National Farmers' Union livestock board chairman Hans Prksen said: "Our sheep flocks are declining and this is worrying not only for farmers and the thousands of people employed in the wool textile industry but there is also growing concern about the impact this will have on our ability to manage the unique rural landscapes so vital for our tourist industry."

To sign the petition visit www. countrysideonline.co.uk/wool-petition.