A good turnout of breed enthusiasts was forward for the inaugural National Suffolk Youth Championships, staged at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, which attracted participants from all over the UK and Ireland.

The competitors who were either winners of club/branch young breeders or young handler competitions or nominations was divided into two sections – juniors (16 and under) and senior (17-26 years) classes, with an overall championship presented in each.

Winning the Westcarse trophy, presented by John Christie, for the best senior was Annabelle Hiddleston, Dumfries, while James Richmond, Lancashire, won the junior section and the Tillydesk cup presented by Ron Greig.

LEADINGawards

Westcarse trophy – Seniors – 1, Annabelle Hiddleston, Dumfries; 2, Robert Denby, Cumbria; 3, Jennifer Nelson, Northumberland.

Tillydesk trophy – Juniors – 1, James Richmond, Lancashire; 2, Finn Christie, Aberdeenshire; 3, Matthew Horner, Lanchashire.

Farm maintnance and safety – Safety – 1, R Denby; 2, A Hiddleston. Juniors – 1, R Lee (West Yorks) 2, F Christie .

Stock judging – Seniors – 1, A Hiddleston; 2, R Denby. Juniors – 1, J Richmond; 2, M Horner.

Sheep welfare – Seniors – 1, J Nelson, Northumberland; 2, R Denby. Juniors – 1, F Shone, Cheshire; 2, R Lee.

Sheep farming – Seniors – 1, J Nelson; 2, R Denby. Juniors – 1, G Hiddleston; 2 = R Lee (W Yorks and J Richmond.

History of the breed and society – Seniors – J Nelson; 2, A Hiddleston. Juniors – 1, R Lee ; 2 = G Hiddleston and A Herdman (Northumberland).