Well-known Carlisle-based cattle and sheep commentator and enthusiast, Heather Pritchard, has joined Pedigree Livestock Services' expanding team as general manager.

Andy Ryder, managing director of Pedigree Livestock Services, based at Ainstable on the outskirts of Carlisle, said: "Heather brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the business through her many years of working in the pedigree livestock auctioneering industry.

"Her relationship with pedigree breed societies and breeders across the UK will be invaluable and hugely influential in the growth of the business," he said.

Heather added: "I am looking forward to working with the team at Pedigree Livestock Services and also working alongside the breed societies and its members, many of whom I know from my previous sales' experience.

"The business is ideally suited to take on the level of work each society requires. Many breed societies today can take advantage of sharing services and staff which will ultimately improve efficiency and performance," she said.

Pedigree Livestock Services which was established in 2019, manages the day to day general administration support for breed societies which includes registrations, accounts and finance, journal and yearbook publications together with event support, etc.

The business employs 10 members of staff providing an efficient and effective service to the various breed societies and organisations, under the portfolio of Pedigree Livestock Services.

The company also looks to assist various breeds come up with solutions to an increasing amount of red tape and paperwork, by spreading costs out more evenly between the societies involved rather than each breed having to take on all additional charges.