A cracking trade for individual Swaledale females at Kirkby Stephen, backed up by a lead price of £7000, saw averages rise £250 per head on the year, to average £936.

Setting the trade alight from the start, was the first lot in the ring, which not only topped the sale at £7000, but also set a new record for a Swale gimmer. This was the best from Patrick and Kirsty Sowerby's 300 ewe flock from Oakbank, Barras, purchased by John Tully, Penrith.

Reserve champion at the pre-sale show, she is by a £17,000 John Porter sire and out of a ewe by a £50,000 Thomas Iveson. She changed hands carrying a pair to a Bull and Cave ram.

For full report and pictures see this week's SF