FOR the second year running, Bentham Auction Mart’s annual sale of working sheepdogs set a new record price.

Topping this year’s sale was well known handler Richard Hutchinson, of Littledale, with Linburn Lass, a three-year-old black and white fully trained bitch.

Mr Hutchinson gave a perfect pre-sale demonstration, keeping four strong mule Hoggs under total control.

Plenty of pre-sale interest resulted in spirited bidding culminating in a successful bid of 5,400 guineas (£5,670) from Messrs JJ & M Pickering of Barnard Castle.

Other notable prices included Jean Howes, of Bishop Auckland, selling Redgate Jill, a home-bred registered bitch for 2,200 guineas to Stephen and Pam Parker of Bentham, and Redgate Jess, a three-quarter broken yearling for 1,650 guineas to Messrs W & PA Walton of Bootle.

A well attended and successful sale saw a 70 per cent clearance of working/partly trained dogs.