Pictures of half-naked babes basking in the heatwave have been rammed down readers' throats during the past couple of weeks.

So when he was asked to try to gather some out-of-the-ordinary hot weather pictures for a spread, Isle of Man Newspapers staff photographer and farmer John Maddrell decided to tramp out into the fields at his farm - armed with only a camera and a sun hat.

And, of course, a star was born.

Gina the Blue Faced Leicester ewe was ready for her close up and took page three of Friday's Manx Independent by storm.

But why did John call the sheep Gina?

"Well Gina is my fiancée, so when I was asked the name of the sheep when I got back I just said 'Gina'," he explained.

And shrugging off any potential risk to his relationship, he added: "She appreciated the hat, she didn't want to part with it."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk