CRAVEN farmers have taken the honours in sheep sales at Clitheroe Auction Mart.

The annual sale of Lonk sheep saw a buoyant trade, with females selling well and good prices for the best tups.

The championship went to S & P Scrivin & Son, Elslack, for a shearling which went on to make £4,410, the top price on the day to C Crowther, Holmfirth. The reserve champion also came from S & P Scrivin, for a shearling ewe which sold to young enthusiast M Huddleston, of Wray.

Auctioneer Joe Worthington said: “Lonk rams were very much in demand with buyers from all over the country, also many commercial buyers in attendance willing to pay good prices for quality rams, averages up in every section.”

Hellifield farmer JW Mellin took the reserve championship at the fifth annual show and sale of pedigree registered Texel sheep, also held at Clitheroe Auction Mart.

The sale, on behalf of the North West Texel Breeders Club was supported by many local, well-known flocks.

The show championship went to FA Nairey, of Blackburn, with a shearling ram, which sold at 800gns to J Whalley and Sons, Darwen, and Mr Mellin's reserve champion - a shearling ram - sold at 620gns to B and A Myers and Daughters, Ripon.