Friday 13th will hopefully prove anything but unlucky for vendors selling at the Border Union Kelso Ram Sales, which has attracted a catalogued entry of 5174 sheep from no fewer than 19 breeds and crosses.

The one-day event which regularly welcomes in excess of 10,000 flockmasters and spectators, will see the rams sold off by seven auctioneering companies in 10 marquees.

Once again, Texels form the bulk of the sales with 1823 entries, followed by the Suffolk breed on 1049. The growing popularity of cross-bred rams is marked by an entry of 731 head, while the Bluefaced Leicester and Beltex breeds come next in line with 628 and 433 head, respectively.

Auctioneers include Border Livestock Exchange; C and D Auction Marts; Harrison and Hetherington; Hexham and Northern Marts; Lawrie and Symington; North East Livestock Sales and United Auctions, with the main sponsor being Closamectin®.

Robin Bell who farms at Roxburgh Mill just a few miles from the showground is set to be recognised for a lifetime’s commitment to the region’s sheep industry too, when he performs the traditional Ringing of the Bell to signal the start of the sales.

"The Kelso Ram Sales have always been a highlight for our family, therefore I am very honoured and delighted to have been asked to Ring the Bell," said Mr Bell who has been a life long sheep breeder.

With sheep from 19 breeds and crosses up for grabs, Stuart Craig, chairman of the Border Union Kelso Ram Sales, is hopeful the event will be another success, despite the ongoing question marks surrounding Brexit.

“In the current climate of uncertainty, we were thrilled so see our entries top the 5000 mark this year. We know that several consignors and buyers are heading over from Ireland so to see that market so strong is fantastic," said Stuart, adding that procedures are in place to manage any sales to Ireland and beyond.

The Tup Taxi services will also be operating again and the same as they did last year.

Entry and car parking are both free with the breed entries as follows: Beltex, 433 head; Berrichon, 45; Blue Texel, 17; Bluefaced Leicester, 628; Border Leicester, 63; Charmoise, eight; Charollais 211; crosses 731; Dassenkop, three; Dutch Texel, 14; Hampshire Down, 28; Lleyn, 72; North Country Cheviot, 37; Rouge, two; Suffolk, 1823; Vendeen, 10.

The full catalogue listing is available at www.borderunion.co.uk