Long Preston couple John Mellin and Clare Cropper won the prestigious champion British Blue heifer class at the recent English Winter Fair at Staffordshire County Showground Their 18-month-old heifer, The Ritz, won the middleweight British Blue cross heifer class and went on to win the overall British Blue sired champion heifer.

“This was a great achievement as cattle attend the national fatstock show from all over the country,” said Clare. “This has now become the highlight of mine and John’s showing career.”

Bred by Tom Robinson, of Slaidburn and purchased by John and Clare at Gisburn Auction Marts in March, the heifer enjoyed an illustrious show season including winning first prize in the best British Blue heifer class at the Great Yorkshire Show, followed by championship awards at Malham and Bingley shows.

John and Clare, who farm at Mill House, are now putting together their 2014 showteam.

“This for us is the most exciting part, travelling around the country to find next year’s stars. The key to success is having the eye for those with potential, and then comes the time consuming part of training, clipping, washing and grooming the cattle near enough every weekend for a show.

“However, we both enjoy it and are now preparing for all the local winter Christmas fatstock shows, whilst looking forward to next year’s show season.”