THE farming community turned out in force to mark the 25th anniversary of an annual stock judging event.

A total of 211 entries were submitted to this year’s North of England Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association Stock Judging Competition, held at Hexham and Northern Marts, to make the birthday event a bleating success.

Capping off a great season, the Weatherson family of Edges Green, near Haltwhistle, claimed the overall champion prize with their Hexham ewe.

It has been quite a run for the family who have achieved success at Northumberland County Show, and at the Roman Wall, Gilsland, Falstone and Alston.

Eleven-year-old David Carr, of Hexham, made his mark as, in addition to winning the U16 class, he finished second in the open competition.

With a total of 419, he finished just second behind Will Storey, who scored 421, and ahead of Kevin Ridley.

It was enough for victory in the junior class, with Ryan Dodd second and Ryan Fletcher third.

Will Storey did enjoy success in the Young Farmers’ Class, with Graham Robson and Amy Gibson joint second.

The new class for young farmers’ team event was a success with over 40 young farmers taking part, with Bellingham triumphing ahead of runners-up Haltwhistle.

In the ladies’ open class, Karen Scott was victorious with Claire Irvine and Amy Gibson joint second.

Jamie Murray, of Sewingshields, won the Hexham open tup hogg class, while Wanwood Partners, of Wanwood Hill, won the Scotch type category. The best presented pen of sheep were the Mule hoggs of Stewart Herdman, of Whitechapel.

North of England branch chairman, Nick Walton, said: “The show was a great success with top quality stock on show, and it was great to see so many there, especially younger people.”