Continued demand for pedigree British Blue cattle, ensured a good, level trade for the breed’s 51st national show and sale, at Chelford.

Leading the trade at 7500gns was the reserve champion, a May 2008-born bull from Northern Ireland breeder Daniel Rogers, from Ballymartin. Ballykeel Diesel, by Gitan Du P’Tit Mayeur and out of the As De Trefle daughter Ballykeel Angel, was purchased by Redditch-based stockmen Messrs Wood.

The champion, New Close Dictator was consigned by Staffordshire-based breeders Ian and Andrew Wilson. Another by Gitan, but out of Bringlee Tandy, he sold for 5800gns to CR Clayton, Malpas, Cheshire.

Several newer breeders were prominent at the sale, and Derbyshire breeder, Mark Hambleton, The Clays, achieved 6300gns for his December 2007-born bull, Holirow Cannonball. This senior bull by Cajoleur De Rettigny out of Widewath Voluptuous, was purchased by S and C Morris, Craven Arms, Shropshire.