TWENTY-TWO stars of the future showed off their farming skills at Bentham Auction Mart's successful Young Farmers singles night last Wednesday.

The hard task of judging was in the capable hands of butcher Tom Wood on behalf of Huntleys Country Stores, Samlesbury.

Seven-year--old Ellie Forster, of Stainforth, won the long wooled class - and took home £95 as well as the red rosette.

In the best presented class for both hogg and handler, Robbie Aiken, of Wray, took third prize with a 53kg Texel realising £13, and was beaten by his big sister Katy, who was runner-up and received £145. Both animals were purchased by Jim Hadwin, on behalf of B and T Kitson Ltd, Cleveland.

However, top honours in the class went to Richard Lancaster, of Clitheroe,with a well trimmed Beltex x Hogg. It weighed 45kg and made £150 or 333p selling to the judge Tom Wood.

Richard was presented with the Les Thackray Perpetual Trophy.

The hottest contested class of the evening was for the best short wooled hogg, with plenty of regular vendors taking part.

Winning the class and £50 prize money was Jack Edmonson, of Westhouse, with his 50kg Beltex achieving the night's top price of £175 or 350p/kg, selling to Huntleys Country Store.

Thanks go to all those who took part.

"They were a real credit to themselves and the future of agriculture," said a spokesman for auctioneers Richard Turner and Sons.