The Show & Sale of Swaledale females generated a real buzz, with plenty of buyers keen to secure quality sheep. Thanks go to judge Mr Shaun Thompson of Marton Sinnington for lending his expertise to a very competitive section. The Championship rosette was awarded to a stylish Gimmer Shearling from Robbie Hallam of Horton in Ribblesdale. This much-admired shearling, sired by the £105,000 Ghyll House tup and in lamb to a homebred sire, attracted keen interest before selling for £2,000. A successful day for the Hallam family continued with their ewe selling for £1,500.

Reserve Champion honours — and the top price of the section — went to a two-shear ewe from R S Harker & Son of Grayrigg Hall. Sired by the renowned Bull & Cave Icon and in lamb to the Hebblethwaite Hall tup, she caused quite a stir in the ring before eventually settling at £3,100. Other leading prices included £1,900 for the third prize Gimmer Shearling from D W & K Hutchinson of Hawes, sired by the Trevor Blades tup and in lamb to a Murton Hall tup. The consignment from J R & S L Pratt twice hit the sweet spot, topping at £1,000 for both a Gimmer Shearling and a ewe. Gimmer Shearlings averaged £1,280, while ewes averaged £1,358.

Leading Prices:

• J & SJ Bland – Lot 41 £900, Lot 43 £850
• JR & SL Pratt – Lot 52 £1,000, Lot 51 £1,000, Lot 50 £850
• R Hallam – Lot 53 £2,000 (Champion), Lot 54 £1,500
• W & K Hutchinson – Lot 57 £1,900, Lot 58 £600
• RS Harker & Son – Lot 60 £3,100, Lot 61 £850