THE 3,579 Swaledale females at their annual show and sale at Skipton on Saturday (4th) averaged £121.44 per head - £29.47 up on last year.

Shearlings averaged £146.88 per head, up £38.16 on 2013, while the overall average for ewes was £109.13, an increase of £23.52 per head on last year.

Ted Ogden, Craven Cattle Mart livestock sales manager, said: "After a wonderful season weather wise, sheep were shown in good order and were generally stronger on the year. The quality of sheep at this sale continues to get better every year and they are a true credit to the producers of this area, with strong well-bodied ewes ideal for crossing in plentiful supply.”

The top price was achieved by Stuart and Debbie Robinson, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, who sold a pen of gimmer shearlings at £250. They also had the champion pen of ten ewes – six by a George Harker Punchard tup from Arkengarthdale, two by a ram from Jack Wade in Cracoe, one by a Robert Cowperthwaite Stockdale tup and the other by a ram from Ian Collinson, Billing Shield, Bishop Auckland. They sold for £210 each to James Caton, Settle.

The second prize pen from John and Jean Bradley, Giggleswick, made £235 per head when bought by Derbyshire buyers R&A White & Son, with the third prize pen from TW Cowperthwaite, Malham Moor, achieving £180 each.

Chris Akrigg and family, Cray, champions in 2013, saw their gimmer shearlings top at £235 each, with an overall average of £170. Among them was the third prize pen which sold for £180 each.

Alan Alderson, Barras, achieved the same average for his consignment of gimmer shearlings, which peaked at £230 for his second prize pen.

The first prize and reserve champion pen of ten gimmer shearlings from Jim Walker and son-in-law Richard Alpe, Chipping, made £180 per head on joining John Alpe, Whitewell. They were by Mossdale and Telfit tups.

Prices and averages: Swaledale Ewes - two Shear to £160 (av £127.43), three Shear to £190 (£117.04), four Shear to £235 (£110.92), correct to £128 (£96.06).