The champion Swaledale went on to top the trade at £2200 at the Bentham Auction Mart’s annual sale of hill-bred breeding sheep.

Selling at that price was a three-shear ewe by Oakbank Atlas, from A and M Skidmore, Tebay. Bred from a ewe by Aygill Commander and due with twins to a to Ghyll House C42666, she was purchased by Joe Nattrass of Alston.

Next best at £1000 was a three-shear Dalesbred ewe from John and Michael Dawson, Field Head, bought by Frank Brennand, Ellerbeck, who was buying back some of his genetics as the ewe sold carrying twins to an Ellerbeck ram. She is by a Ryder ram and out of a Bradshaw ewe.

Champion Herdwick was a gimmer by a Thompson, Rosthwaite tup from Jean Wilson, Anns Cottage. Bred from a ewe by a Park House ram and in lamb to a Turner Hall tup, she was knocked down to the judge, Anthony Hartley, Seathwaite, at £650.

OTHERLEADING prices

Swaledale – Ewes and gimmers – WA and A Booth £700, £600; J and JE Bradley £700; P Chester £600. Ewe hoggs – P Chester, £400 again to Mr Nattrass of Alston.

Dalesbred – Ewes and gimmers – JT and J Kelsall £750, £600; RA Close £750, £600.