A FULL ringside of buyers ensured a solid trade at the annual show and sale of Swaledale rams at Cockermouth, last week, where trade peaked at £750.

With 93% clearance rate, sale leader was an aged ram from IR and OM Wilson, High Beckside, Mungrisedale, which sold to S Robinson, Bridge End.

In the pre-sale show, judged by Graeme Whitfield, the championship was awarded to an aged ram from JJ Hope, Branthwaite, Caldbeck, while the reserve honours went to Messrs Emmott, Wythop Hall, Cockermouth.

Mitchells Auction Company's small entry of breeding sheep sold to a top of £77 for Lleyn ewes from Messrs Woodend, Tarn Cottage, Bootle.

LEADINGawards:

Shearling ram – 1, R and JH Emmott, Wythop Hall; 2, Messrs Cockbain, Rakefoot; 3, TA Pearson, The Faulds.

Two-shear – 1, Rakefoot; 2, P and PI Walker and Son, Beechcroft.

Aged ram – 1, JJ Hope, Branthwaite Farm; 2, JA Ritson, Baggra Yeat; 3, IR and OM Wilson, High Beckside.

LEADINGprices:

Swaledale rams – £750, £450 High Beckside; £420, £380, £320, £300 Baggra Yeat; £400 Wythop Hall; £320, £250, £220 x2 Rakefoot; £300, £220 Beechcroft; £300 Undercragg; £300, £250 (x2) Chapel House; £220 Wescoe; £220 Hill Top.