A welcome return to Thirsk Mart after a two year absence saw a fantastic entry for the Rising Stars Beef Shorthorn Calf Show.

Altogether 65 Beef Shorthorn calves went under the scrutiny of the judge, Danny Wyllie from Annan, Dumfries.

A spokesperson for Thirsk Mart said: "Taking top honours in the bull calves was a southern raider from Rutland, A&C Farms with Langhams Sullivan, a roan Podehole Lionheart son. In reserve was Runleymill Samson from John Wilson and Janet Dunning from Settle.

"In the heifer classes the choice for the judge was even harder with some simply outstanding young heifers on show.

"Coming out on top was a local calf, Whiterose Sage, owned by Jonny and Hannah Gibson from Kirkbymoorside, but she is prepared and brought out by Hannah’s daughter Jesse, aged 11.

"Jesse is responsible for the daily care of the calf, even walking her back two miles to the farm to get her ready!

"In reserve Danny placed Helen Dunning with her heifer Runleymill Roxburgh Lass Soopa, owned by her mother Janet with John Wilson.

"When it came to overall champion calf the judge could not split the two heifers, making it an all female line-up with Whiterose Sage and Jesse Barker the Breed Champion and Helen Dunning as Reserve Breed Champion with Runleymill Roxburgh Lass Soopa.

"If the judge was expecting a rest when it came to the pairs he was disappointed as a massive entry of 16 pairs, split over three classes awaited him.

"A wonderful show of pairs saw Jesse Barker back in the limelight as, along with Jonny Gibson, Whiterose took the Pairs Championship. Mark and Tracy Severn, of the Highlee herd, based near Halifax, took reserve.

"And then it was onto the main event, the Young Handlers, with an age range of three to 21.

"Eighteen entrants, split over 4 classes, saw a newcomer to showing, 16 year old Dylan McKenzie take top honours.

"He must be a natural as he led a Jo Souter, Jodame herd, animal in the ring. Jo said he had never handled a cow until a fortnight ago.

"Having to settle for reserve was Jess Barker of Whiterose, I don’t think she can complain too much with the days’ haul."