LONGTOWN auction mart was packed to the brim for C and D Auction Marts' third annual sale of Longtown Ladies, on Tuesday evening where trade peaked at 1200gns on two occasions.

The sale, which attracted an entry of 168 female sheep to include 115 Texels, 28 Beltex crosses and 25 Bluefaced Leicesters, saw the Texel section secure several of the lead prices with the pre-sale champion, from Robbie Wilson's Milnbank flock from Turriff, first to make 1200gns.

A daughter of Aman Vyrnwy, she sold carrying a single lamb to Glenside Wild Boy, to Messrs Harrison, Aimshaugh, Alston.

Milnbank also sold two gimmers by the same sire and again served to Wild Boy at 1000gns. The first was bought by Messrs Dow, Dovecot, West Linton, with the second knocked down to George Wilkinson buying for his Arkle flock based at Wigton, Cumbria.

Second top amongst the Texels was a 1150gns sale for the pen leader from Procters Farm, Slaidburn, Lancs, purchased by Messrs Guiry, Town Farm, Alnwick. Brought out by sheep manager, Jeff Aiken, this gimmer by Scrogtonhead U Stoater, changed hands carrying a pair to Strathbogie Y Belter.

Just behind, on 1100gns, Giles Pyman, of the Thacka flock from Penrith, sold a Haddo Vanguard-sired gimmer carrying a pair to Kaker Mill Velvet, to Alec Bisset, Middle Dukesfield, Hexham.

Matching the 1200gns lead price was the best amongst the Bluefaced Leicesters, a gimmer by the E1 Hewgill from Allan and Ben Wight, Midlock, Crawford. She sold carrying a pair to the G2 Marriforth.

Selling for 1000gns in the Blues, was a G42 Midlock daughter from Malcolm Thornborrow and Sons, Easter Dawyck, Stobo, purchased by Messrs Fallows, Burnton, New Cumnock. She sold carrying triplets to the 6000gns J22 Hewgill.

Continental females peaked at 500gns for a Texel cross Beltex gimmer from Messrs Retson, Maidencots, selling to W Linton and F Azalia, Burnside, Abington.

OTHERLEADINGprices

Gimmers – Tex – 950gns – Thacka and Smyllum. 920gns – Smyllum. 800gns – Annan.

BFL – 900gns – Easter Dawyck.