THIS season's first prize show and sale of traditional autumn cattle took place at Hexham Mart last weekend.

Forward was 672 of mainly active breeds, with the show kindly sponsored by The Rawburn Pedigree Aberdeen Angus Herd, The Luing Cattle Society and the Championship by RM Corbett Ltd, Spreading and Haulage Contractor.

The show was judged by local buyer and store cattle finisher, Ian Hamilton of Claywells. Mr Claywells had a varied show of a number of native breeds to judge, with no fewer than 50 head.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, judging took place in the pens.

The overall champion was a Beef Shorthorn Heifer, which took the Martin Wallace Memorial Trophy for the third consecutive year.

The animal was consigned by Messrs Milburn of Holling Hill, and sold for £1,460 to R Cook and Co, Kenneil Mill, Linlithgow.

Reserve Champion went to the Ridley Family at Whittonshields, with an Angus steer that later sold at £1,180 to Foley Bros of Mirlaw House.

A smaller compliment of buyers was present than usual due to COVID restrictions, but they bid well for all classes which led to a satisfactory sale at levels seen in previous weeks.

Angus steers sold at £1,380 from Messrs Telfer at Bellingham Demesne, while Heifers sold for £1,110 to Messrs Baxter of Kiln Hill.

Hereford steers sold for £1,300 and Heifers at £1,025 from Mr A Parker of High Wooley.

Shorthorn bred steers sold at £980 from Neil Hunter at Woodlands, and the Luing an Luing crossbread peaked at £1,195 from Lanton Estates.