An eight-month-old Limousin from CR Raine and Son, Stanhope Gate, landed the steer and overall championship at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart’s Christmas Cracker event.

The champion at the show and sale of suckled calves and store cattle also topped the trade at £1420.

The sale of 408 cattle and 1346 sheep was judged by Michael Robinson, East Alwent, Staindrop, who found his reserve in a Limousin heifer from N Swinbank, Cold Comfort that made £940.

Topping the store lamb trade at £84 was a pen of eight Texels from K Cator, Stobb House Farm.

LEADING prices

Stores – Steers – £1420 CR Raine and Son; £1100 (x2) £1050, £1040 L Kidd; £1065 (x4) B and L Robson; £1010 (x2), £1000 (x2)) A Moss; £995 WB Rutter and Sons; £995 A and R Thompson.

Heifers – £1130 J Dixon; £1120, £960, £900, E Parsons; £1015 T and DI Allen and Son; £1005, £950, £940, WB Ruter and Sons; £1000 J Brannen; £985 £970, £910 TL Anderson; £980, £960, AC Walton; £970, £955 GL and M Steel. £940 N Swinbank. £925 (x2), £900 W Love Ltd; £915 SJ Love.

Young bulls – £1235, £1150, £1130 D Dixon.