A 100% clearance rate was achieved for the Blondes at the society’s spring show and sale at Carlisle, where prices peaked at 6200gns.

The top price was paid for the rising two-year-old bull, Silverwood Tom, from N McKnight of Newry, Co Down, Northern Ireland. A son of the French bull Drop, he is out of the Ardmore Gargoyle daughter, Silverwood Opal. Second in his class at the pre-sale show, he sold to Neil and Jess Barrett of the Everingham herd, North Yorkshire.

The judge, Will Sedgley, Low Bank House, Barbon, Carnforth, found his reserve in Hallfield Tyne from James and Peter Weightman, Peterlee, Co Durham, which later realised 6000gns. Sired by Aaron Jaigo, he is out of Hallfield Mia, a daughter of Hilltop Hector. He now travels to Penrith with M Harrison of the Shapfell herd, Shap.

The champion, Hallfield Thumper 22nd from P Weightman and Sons, made 5500gns photograph: Wayne Hutchinson

The champion, Hallfield Thumper 22nd from P Weightman and Sons, made 5500gns photograph: Wayne Hutchinson

The same home sold the champion, Hallfield Thumper 22, for 5500gns to TW Brown of Hudswell, Richmond to join the Sandbeck herd. By the same sire, this April 2022-born entry is bred from Hallfield Frankie, which goes back to Blackwater Ainsley.

Topping the females at 2800gns was a pair of heifers again from Hallfield.

First to reach this price was Hallfield Toyota, a daughter of Jiggywigs Oscar, out of the Blackwater Ainsley daughter, Hallfield Gondola. This November 2022-born entry stood first in her class and sold to A and F Moore of the Gulham herd, North Owersby, Market Rasen.

Rebecca Jenkins of the Bowermadden herd, Wick, forked out the same money for Hallfield Talia, a heifer by Brack-a-Broom Rob out of Hallfield Rudbeckia, which goes back to Broccagh Kingfisher.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Averages: seven bulls, £4950.00 (-£765 for one more sold); eight females, £2323.12