THIS season's final prize show and sale of store cattle took place at Hexham Mart last Friday.

The annual 'Tow Law' prize show saw 490 entries from consignors across Durham, Northumberland, and North Yorkshire.

The show was sponsored by Yorkshire Bank and Zoetis Animal health and expertly judged by renowned cattle finisher and regular purchaser at Hexham; Mr Les Bainbridge Seamer of Stokesley.

Taking the HH Mews Memorial Cup and the store championship was a red Limousin cross heifer from a British Blue cross mother, from Messrs Short of Ouston, Whitfield.

The Colin Mitchelson Memorial Plate and the Perpetual Trophy for the champion suckled calf was presented to Andy Thompson of East Unthank, Haltwhistle.

His first prize British Blue steer looked every inch the champion, standing alongside a strong line-up of class winners, and was a tremendous example of everything a Blue sired calf should be - superior double muscling, a fantastic top line with great locomotion.

The reserve champion suckled calf award went to a sleek black Limousin cross steer from John Smith-Jackson of High Town, Melkridge.

Whilst the black bullock was just pipped by the Champion it did itself have the slight edge over the only heifer in the line-up, also a black Limmy from Messrs Watson, Baal Hill, Wolsingham, Weardale.

A spokesman for Hexham and Northern Marts said: "The company would like to thank all those involved with the show, and indeed all shows this season which have been held under difficult circumstances."