STRONG demand for pedigree Texel gimmers ensured a buoyant trade at the joint production sale from the Loosebeare, Whitehart and Hendre Texels at Worcester last weekend, where a 96% clearance was witnessed with a top price of 4700gns paid for an entry from the Whitehart flock of Jim and Nicki Hartwright, Bromyard, Herefordshire.

Leading the way was a twin-born daughter of Loosebeare Voomer, out of a dam by Humeston River Dance, which sold to the Thomas family buying for their Onnen flock from Whitland.

Whitehart also received 1850gns for another by Voomer this time out of a Humeston River Dance daughter, from Ed Page, Ripon and 1700gns for a gimmer by Strawfrank Wild Thing from Peter Mitchell, Tewkesbury.

Gimmers from the Quick family's Loosebeare flock from Devon proved popular, attracted the next four top prices at 4200gns, 3600gns, 2900gns and 2000gns

Dearest was a daughter of the former Lanark champion, Ballynahone Winner bred from a dam by Mossknowe United. This ET entry is from one of the best show families at Loosebeare and sold to Robin Orr and family for the Halbeath flock, Fife.

The Orrs and David and Thomas Bradley-Farmer, Parkgate, Dumfries, bought the 3600gns entry, a Douganhill Whisky Mac daughter out of a dam by Courthill Valentino.

David and Thomas Bradley-Farmer were back in action to buy the next two from Loosebeare at 2900gns and 2000gns. The former, another by Whisky Mac, is out of a dam by Glenside Klassy and had been in the flock’s show team for the year, standing second at Devon County, while the latter, is by Loosebeare Voomer and out of a Loosebeare Rebel-sired ewe.

Averages: 24 Loosebeare gimmers £1333.93; 25 Whitehart gimmers £1261.68; six Hendre gimmers £612.50.

Auctioneers: McCartneys.