A record entry in excess of 4000 North of England Mule gimmers were forward for Bentham Auction Mart's annual sale, where an average of £172.30 was achieved, up £22.30 on the year.

The red rosette was awarded to a pen from James Robinson and Zak Ward of Carnforth, which later realised £310, while the second prize pen from Chris Hewitt of Tatham, topped the trade at £400.

Cheviot Mules averages were up £40 on the year to cash in at £177, with trade peaking at £245 for the second prize pen from John Wilson, High House, who also sold the red ticket holders at £240.

LEADING awards

North of England Mules – 1, J Robinson and Z Ward, £310; 2, C Hewitt, £400; 3, BW and C Lawson, £235; 4, J Robinson and Z Ward, £250; 5, DW and DM Elliott, £220.

Cheviot Mules – 1, JS and KM Wilson and Son, £240; 2, JS and KM Wilson and Son, £245; 3, JW and SE Drinkwater, £200.