BENTHAM Auction Mart’s annual show and sale of breeding ewes and gimmer shearlings did not disappoint the packed ringside, with the event providing quantity as well as quality.

The unenviable task of judging the mule gimmer shearling classes fell to Richard Frankland, of Rathmell, and George Whitwell, of Austwick.

They awarded the championship to Graeme Jackson, of Bentham, who also took second prize. This is the second year running that Graeme has laid claim to the Margaret Joel Perpetual Trophy.

Mr Whitwell later went on to back up his judgment by buying the champion pen for the top price of £340 per head. Graeme’s second prize pen went on to achieve £290 per head when purchased by Messrs Hutchinson of Red Gate.

Ian Scott, representing Jenkinsons, of Whingill Farm, had the final bids for the third prize pen from Ron and Fran Wilson, of Armathwaite, at £280, the fourth prize pen from Fox Farms, Withgill, at £240 and fifth prize pen from Raymond Heigh, of Bentham, at £235.

Prices averaged £134.

In the continental section, James Robinson, of the Kaker Mill flock of pedigree Texels, achieved £1,200 - top price of the day - for a Texel gimmer shearling. His other lots achieved £820 and £700.

The judging honours were claimed by Gerald Broadley, of Ripon, who placed Messrs Jackson first with their pen of 10 pure Texels, achieving £162 per head.

Masham Gimmer Shearlings also attracted a healthy trade, with the top price being achieved by the first prize pen from Raymond Johnson, of Felliscliffe, selling for £138 per head to the judge, Les Thackray, of Mickley.

Leading prices were: JS Robinson, £1200, £820, £700, £250x2, £205; GE Jackson, £340, £290; RJD and FJ Wilson £280, £230, £220; James Lawson, £255; C Hewitt £250x2, £230, £210; JV Fox, £240; RJ Heigh, £235; C Carter, £205, £202, £198; and JS and KM Wilson, £190.