ADDINGHAM and District Sheep Breeders’ Association staged its eighth annual charity sheep show and sale of predominantly Mule wether lambs at Skipton Auction Mart, raising a resounding £3,337 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope.

In total, the annual charity event has now realised well over £30,000 for Manorlands.

The 2014 show champion from father-and-son Joe and George Throup, of Berwick Intake Farm, Chelker, itself raised a heady £440 after being bought by show sponsor Chris Pearson, who runs Pearson Farm Supplies in West Marton and has a retail outlet on the auction mart site.

The victor and three further lambs bought by Craven Cattle Marts’ chairman Anthony Hewetson, of Bank Newton, will be now be wintered by regular buyer Stephen Dorey, who farms in Newark, before returning to the Skipton sale ring at next year’s February primestock show, where they will go under the hammer again to raise further funds for Manorlands.

Show judges James Hall, of Darnbrook, and Settle’s John Wilson, chose a Mule from the Walker family in Dunsop Bridge as their reserve champion, with Ken and Lynne Throup, of Silsden Moor, in third place and Ellis Bros, of Addingham Moorside, finishing fourth.

A total of 29 lambs lined up for the show and were later sold with a number of other donated lambs, along with further generous gifts from big-hearted supporters, including walking sticks from Ken Horner and Royston Baxter. Craven Cattle Marts again waived its commission on the sale.

“It was another fantastic result and we remain indebted to all who donated lambs for sale, and to all buyers and supporters. The regional farming community once again demonstrated its generosity in support of an extremely deserving cause,” said show victor and joint organiser Mr Throup.

The charity fundraiser formed part of the fortnightly sale of store lambs, the final one this year, when the 3,050-strong entry sold to an enthusiastic audience, with all types and sizes meeting an improved trade following the recent rise in the primestock prices.

Mule lambs, in particular, saw a marked improvement, with the breed average up £4 per head on the fortnight and horned lambs showing an increase of £7 per head, this reflecting a stronger showing. The day’s overall selling average was £60.41, compared to £54.57 at last year’s corresponding fixture.

Skipton’s next store lamb sale, the first of the new year, is on Wednesday, January 14, with a turnout of 3,500 head expected. Entries close on January 5.