AN improved show of Charollais sheep, albeit with fewer forward, ensured a buoyant demand with the breed recording it's second best average at £515.58 from a lead bid of £1800.

Coming a close second to the highest average of £519.36 in 2011, this year's top came for a shearling ram from George Hodgson and Gail Wearmouth's 35-strong Shieldash ewe flock from Rosehill, Eastgate, Co Durham. A Son of the 2200gns Loanhead Newton, bought in Worcester in 2014, bred from a home-bred ewe, he was knocked down to Alastair Ward, Frostley, Weardale.

Dumfries-shire breeder, Ben Radley, Loaningfoot, enjoyed his best ever year too, selling the next two top priced lots at £1400 and £1300, with his pen producing the lead flock average at £785 for 12.

Both were sons of Logie Durno Officer, with the dearest being bred by a home-bred ewe by Ardudwy Lord of the Rings. He was knocked down to J Leiper, Black Heddon, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Minutes later, the Shieldash flock went to £1300 for a Loaningfoot shearling bred from a Parkgate Hot Property-sided dam.

Averages: 165 shearling rams, £540.42; 23 ram lambs, £337.39. Overall, 188, £515.58 (+£36.89 for 18 fewer sold)