MARKING its 55th anniversary, Hexham Bluefaced Leicester Show and Sale proved a success for regular ring-goers.

Held on September 25 at Hexham Auction Mart, the event was hosted by the Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeder’s Association, and proved popular amongst regular visitors and new purchasers around the ring.

Taking on the responsibility of judging was Edward Peart, of Woodcroft farm, Bishop Auckland.

He awarded the Over Breed Champion title to a homebred shearling ram from regular consignors at the sale, father and son sheep breeders Alan and Peter Forster of Lowes Fell, Lowgate in Hexham.

The ram 50/L012, also came away with a first prize in its category.

He was sired by 3935/H10 Piel View and a homebred ewe from Lowes Fell, and went on after his win to sell for £760.

The Forster’s success on the day did not stop there however. The family also beat out the competition for the second top price of the day with another smart homebred shearling ram by the same Piel View sire, which sold for £650.

The reserve championship went to WR and J Barron of the Deans, Hexhamshire for their aged ram 1068/K009, which was sired by Leadburnlea 3199/H005 out of a homebred ewe.

Secretary of the Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeder’s Association Helen Carr Smith said: “The Forsters’ champion shearling had everything which you look for in a winning sheep – a good frame, head and conformation.

“It was a small show and sale, but nonetheless an important one, considering that we’ve been a staple in sheep farmers’ calenders for decades, and that the Blueface Leicester breed originated here in Hexham.”