Huge pre-sale interest in commercial in-calf beef breeding heifers at the Leading Ladies sale staged on behalf of Will and Gareth Corrie, at Ballymena Auction Mart, saw prices peak at £4400.

The sale of cattle from the Corrie's Newtownards-based operation, was topped by a black Limousin cross heifer purchased by Gary Bell, Lockerbie, who also went to £4000 for a similarly-bred entry.

Frank Reid from Ballynahinch also parted with £4000 on two occasions for a Charolais and a Limousin heifer.

Just behind, Miskelly Farms, Ballynahinch, bought two at £3800.

All heifers were aged at 2-21/2-years of age and are due to calve from now on.