A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD has been ruling the roost at agricultural shows with his impressive collection of birds.

Jake Hewitson beat competition from 230 birds to be crowned supreme champion of the poultry category at Saturday’s Cockermouth Show – with his Australorp cockerel wowing the judges.

The Bransty School youngster has now racked up a collection of 45 birds and has scooped dozens of awards in less than a year of competing. He has earned ribbons and trophies in the Cumberland County Show and Skelton Show, as well as local poultry competitions in Egremont and Kendal.

His dad, Will Hewitson, said Jake did all the work himself and his interest had been sparked when the family bought a couple of chickens when he was a toddler.

Jake started his own collection two years ago and now his flock occupy the family’s allotment and garden shed.

“Every night, he’s cleaning and feeding his birds,” said mum Shelley. “We support him, but he’s done it all off his own back and he really deserves all the success he’s having.”

Jake is often competing against adults who have bred birds for decades, but said the sweetest part about winning is beating his dad.

“I’ve beaten him a few times now!” laughed Jake. “But, I’m just happy to be winning prizes. The birds take a lot of looking after, but it doesn’t feel like hard work because it’s really fun.”

The prize-winner is breeding more of his own birds and has already entered one into competitions.

“It can get a bit messy and noisy in the house,” admittedShelley. “It’s quite normal to walk into the kitchen and see Jake washing one of his chickens in the sink. But, he really cares for them and we’re so proud of the works he’s put in.”