CHAMPION farmers have been recognised for their efforts at this year's Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale in Bishops Castle.

Farmers from near and far gathered for the annual event held by Halls at Bishops Castle on December 6.

The auctioneers hold livestock auctions throughout the year for cattle, calves and other prime, store and deadweight stock.

And there was plenty to celebrate at the December sale, with the Perpetual Challenge Cup for the champion pen of lambs was awarded to Julian Radcliffe of Lower Down, Lydbury North.

The cup was presented to Tom Burgoyne and his wife Jess, who represented Mr Radcliffe on the day, by auctioneer Chris Potter from Halls. The champion 43-kilo lambs also won the medium weight class and sold for £140 per head.

Reserve champion and first prize in best pair of butcher’s lambs was A. G. Williams and Son of Plassau, Kerry with 55-kilo lambs for £141 per head.

An excellent entry of 700 commercial and prize lambs attracted a good trade, very much in line with the week’s averages, a Halls spokesperson said. The overall average was 258p per kilo and £117 per head.

Prize classes were judged by Holly Page of Sidnal, who is a leading Wales Young Farmers Club stock judge, and the champion pen of lambs was purchased by respected Welshpool butcher Rikki Lloyd.

The other prize winners were: Medium weight, 2, F. T. Bedell & Son, Linch House, Bishops Castle with 41.5 kilo lambs at £110. Heavy weight: 1, J. Radcliffe, 48 kilo lambs at £132; 2, J. & R. Richards, Edenhope, Bishops Castle 48.5 kilo lamb at £127. Best pair of butcher’s lambs, 2, F. T. Bedell & Son 42.5 kilo lambs at £112. Cull ewes, 1, F. T. Bedell & Son with six ewes at £110.