Shrek the merino sheep evaded the shearer for six years by hiding out on the rocky mountain tops in New Zealand's South Island, but today he finally yielded up his enormous fleece.

The wily nine-year-old wether (a castrated adult male sheep) has become a national star on New Zealand television, after he was filmed during his dramatic capture on April 15 during a round-up on Bendigo Station in Central Otago province.

Looking more like a giant woolly slug than a sheep, with his nose barely protruding from his poll and his feet only just visible, he nonetheless put up a good chase before he was finally cornered among some rocks, and carried away.

Shearers say that the hardy animal probably survived freezing winters on the high country farm 400 miles south of the capital Wellington, and 4,900ft above sea level, by hiding in caves.

He was dubbed Shrek in a nod to the large friendly ogre who features in a children's cartoon film.

Today thousands tuned in to watch a televised charity event in which Peter Casserly, the former world blade shearing champion, removed Shrek's huge 59lb fleece, big enough to make 20 men's suits.

Shrek was carried into the shearing hall at Golden Gate Lodge in Cromwell, and placed in a pen on a platform surrounded by an admiring audience.

Twenty-five minutes later his 15in coat of heavily matted wool, said to be rock hard in places, was lying on the floor and Shrek emerged from under the shears unrecognisable - small, white, and considerably lighter.

Mr Casserly considerately left him a covering of wool as winter is approaching. Afterwards, Shrek posed in a smart blue jacket - made of merino wool, naturally - with his owner, John Perriam.

The fleece will later be auctioned for a children's charity.