Trade for all classes of 423 prime sheep were strong at Hawes Farmers' Auction Mart's sale, which included the show and sale of 129 spring lambs.

Judged by Harold and Will Birkbeck, Hawes, the champion came in the form of two Continental lambs from WH Harker, which topped the sale at £180 or 474p to JW Cockett and Son Butchers, Hawes.

Taking the reserve rosette was JR and LA Capstick, Killington, with Suffolks that later sold to £172 or 400p to C Steadman Butcher, Kirkby Stephen, with the entire sale levelling at 345.13p.

Hoggs were also in demand , with a top price of £137 being achieved on two occasions for Continentals from JR Davidson and for Swaledales from RW Clarkson and Son.

Cast sheep were sought after, with Continentals taking the top spot at £170, to average£125.95, while cast rams witnessed a Bluefaced Leicester top at £110, to cash in at £100.

Among the sale of ewes with lambs at foot, it was Mules with twin lambs that dominated at £182 from PF Goodall, Leyburn, to average £104.83.

LEADINGawards

Spring lambs (Judge: Harold and Will Birkbeck). Champion – Continentals, WH Harker, Leyburn, £180. Reserve – Suffolks, JR and LA Capstick, Killington, £172. Continentals – 1, WH Harker, Leyburn, £180; 2, WH Harker, Leyburn, £158; 3, R Mudd and Sons, Askrigg £148. Suffolks – 1, JR and LA Capstick, Killington, £172; 2, DB and A Hoggarth, Sedbergh, £145; 3, DB and A Hoggarth, Sedbergh £145. Continentals out of Mules – 1, JR and LA Capstick, Killington, £172/; 2, A and H Watson, Kirkby Lonsdale, £136; 3, JR and LA Capstick, Killington, £158.