A FARMER from Cornwall drove his sheep across the River Thames in London to raise money for charity. 

James Kittow, from Kilhallon near Par, took part in The Sheep Drive and Livery Fair, which raises funds to support the work of The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor's Appeal. 

Around 1000 freemen of the City of London took part in the event yesterday (Sunday, September 24). 

In the 12th century, farmers drove their sheep across the original London Bridge, the only way to cross the River Thames at the time, into London to sell them at market. The freemen of the city were excused the toll that had to be paid by others crossing the bridge, because of their status as local traders. 

James, a Cornish butcher as well as a farmer, was elegible to partake as he is a member of The Worshipful Company of Butchers - one of the oldest of the 110 City of London Livery Companies (it dates back to 975 AD). 

South West Farmer: James Kittow gets ready to drive sheep across Southwark Bridge as part of The Sheep Drive and

“What an absolute privilege and honour it was to be able to drive sheep over the Thames," he said.

"My son, daughter and I joined the Master of The Worshipful Company of Butchers as Freemen of The City to exercise the ancient right to drive sheep to market across the Thames toll free, a tradition that was set many centuries ago.

“It was a cracking day, being in my 50th year, I have wanted to do special things so as well as being invited to be a steward at this year’s Royal Cornwall Show, this was the perfect opportunity to do something else memorable with my family.”

The ancient tradition of The Sheep Drive was revived in 2013 - more than 800 years after it first began - and has become a popular fundraiser.