FED up of the usually nine to five?

Hate being stuck behind a desk all day?

If so, then this could be the job for you.

Two sheep enthusiasts are hoping to round up the right applicant to become a shepherd.

Tending to a flock started out as a hobby for Graham Langford and his business partner Hari Doman.

But the pair are now looking for a third sets of hands to help look after their sheep.

The Nepcote Flock, based in Findon, near Worthing, is moved around different fields in the village and features at various fairs throughout the year as well as supplying locals with wool and meat.

Mr Langford, who has lived in Findon for ten years, said: "The person we are looking for really has to be interested in sheep. It sounds obvious but it's serious.

"We need someone really who's 25-plus with a bit of maturity. It's a responsible position and we need someone reliable.

"We have been advertising locally in the village and had one or two responses but they haven't been suitable."

But those with designs on a career as a shepherd might be put off.

Mr Langford, 66, said: "It's not a paid job. We put money into it and share the proceeds back.

"If we can find somebody with a bit of experience that would be preferable but if it's someone who's really interested and wants to learn that's fine."

Far from just strolling the Downs and overseeing the 35-strong flock of ewes and rams, the successful applicant, who can drive, will have to get stuck in.

He said: "The role involves checking the sheep, making sure none are on their back, making sure they have plenty of water and reporting any lame animals so they can be taken care of. They will also need to help with lambing.

"We work together with inoculating and antibiotics. We also worm them by putting a tube in their mouth and clipping their feet twice a year. We would show the right person how to get the sheep on their back and do that."

The pair want someone to offer two days a week, an hour between 7am and 9am and then an hour between 5pm and 7pm.

Mr Langford worked for an electronics company in Burgess Hill and retired three years ago, after four years of managing the flock in his spare time.

He is involved in the Findon Sheep Fair, which saw 26 different breeds earlier this month.

There are 60 different sheep breeds in the country.

He said: "I have always had an interest in sheep. We take our sheep to shows, including the Rare and Traditional Breeds Show at Singleton and the Steyning Country Fair among others.

"I'm very passionate about linking the public up with the countryside so we take them to community events too."

For more information, email fishponds185@tiscali.co.uk.