HEXHAM Mart’s annual Christmas poultry auction once again saw crowds flock to the ring on Friday to pick up local birds for their Christmas dinner tables.

This year’s sale was conducted by auctioneer Brian Rogerson and saw 200 rough plucked and oven-ready turkeys, the largest weighing a whopping 16.7kg from G. Herdman from Consett.

Other birds which went under the hammer included 11 rough plucked geese, the largest being a 7.3kg bruiser from Mr J. Batey from Hexham; four ducks, the heaviest weighing 3.20kg from R. Little from Slaley; and six chickens all from A. Ogle from Slaley.

The sale saw a large turnout of both first-time buyers who were eager to shop locally for their festive feasts, as well as plenty of regular attendees, for many of whom the poultry mart is an annual tradition.

Peter Telfer, of Waite Farm, Haydon Bridge buys his Christmas bird directly from the marts every year, and has learnt to “play the waiting game”, in order to get the best price for the turkey he’ll share on Christmas day with his children and grandchildren.

“I try to wait until the crowd disperses a bit, and then I hope that with less competition I’ll be able to a turkey around the 10 kilo mark for a cheaper price,” Peter said.

“There’s a very good turn out this year and a high standard of birds too, so that’s why the prices are fairly high.

“Some have even topped the lamb prices of the sale earlier today.”

Peter’s patience paid off in the end, and he left the sale with a 9kg bird for his family, which he said he’ll pair with a leg of lamb across the table.