Shear genius! British man becomes the first to win New Zealand's sheep shearing championships since 1991 Henry Mayo, 20, was the underdog from Dorset but he blew the Kiwis away The Englishman sheared five sheep in 8 minutes and 15 seconds to take first Mr Mayo - who only started shearing four years ago - won £180 at Te Kuiti He was working on the South Island but has now returned to his homestead By Ross Ibbetson For Mailonline Published: 10:56 BST, 18 April 2019 | Updated: 10:56 BST, 18 April 2019 Viewcomments Mr Mayo holds his championship-winning shears aloft after taking the prestigious title at Te Kuiti on the North Island A British man has become the first to win New Zealand's sheep shearing championships in almost three decades. Henry Mayo, 20, was crowned the winner at New Zealand's prestigious Sheep Shearing Championships at Te Kuiti on the North Island - the first time for a Briton since 1991. Mr Mayo was the underdog from Dorset, but blew the locals away when he sheared five sheep in 8 minutes and 15 seconds. Despite the homegrown farmers being heavy favourites, the young Englishman fleeced the bookmakers by taking the junior title. Mr Mayo, who has only been shearing sheep for four years, was awarded a trophy and $350 (£180). Mr Mayo has been working on a farm on New Zealand's South Island for the last six months but has now returned home victorious. Mr Mayo showing speedy work as he grips a ewe by the head and shears off her coat with the electric shears in Te Kuiti on the North Island Mr Mayo holds a ewe by the hind quarters as he cuts her coat off on the stage of the prestigious shearing championships in New Zealand He said: 'The championships are a big deal over there. It's their national championships so it's pretty much the biggest event. 'Most of the people I was up against shear most of the year compared to me. I probably spend five or six months doing it. 'The reaction was definitely mixed. I think some of the Kiwis were a bit unhappy about being beaten by an Englishman, but they were all great to be fair. 'Unfortunately I wasn't able to bring the trophy home with me as they need it for next year but I don't really mind that too much. 'I didn't know at the time but I am the first Brit to win over there since 1991 so I am very proud of that.' Mr Mayo first began shearing four years ago when he was roped in to help by a friend in Dorset. Mr Mayo is draped in the glorious purple winner's ribbon after stunning the local talent at Te Kuiti Mr Mayo - who only started shearing four years ago - grips a sheep's ear as a judge examines his work Mr Mayo stands on stage surrounded by the referee and spectators as he speedily cuts the sheep's wool off He said: 'There's no secret to it really, it's purely down to hard work.' Mr Mayo said he hopes to return to New Zealand next year, although he won't be able to defend his title as he will be moved up a grading. He works as a farmhand on his father Anthony's dairy farm in north Dorset. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility