Scottish judge, Jimmy Bell and Frank Kitching, saw their choice of champion pen at North West Auctions’ sale of draft Swaledale ewes – from E and A Wear, Hartsop – sell for the top price of £430.

Increased demand for the entry of 2857 Swale ewes saw averages of £140.79, up £23.43 on the year, while gimmers cashed in at £163.22, (+£39.22) having peaked at £250 from JA Alderson, Kirkby Stephen.

Ewe lambs reached £92 from Forest Hall Farm, Kendal, with the 145 head balancing out at £65.78.

MORE NEWS | Special sales to include Castle Douglas, Lanark and Stirling

MORE NEWS | Increased demand for Hampshire Down females at Carlisle

Cheviot ewes sold to £195 from J Woof, Firbank, with gimmers of the same breed to £162 from Naddle Farm, Penrith.

Herdwick ewes reached £92 from G Stephenson, Ravenstonedale, to cash in at £84.35 for 100.

Rough Fells sold to £205 for a pair from VR Guy, Tebay and for a pair from NC and S Dodd, Kirkby Stephen. Ewes averaged £101.81, with gimmers levelling at £106.76 having sold to £150 for SA Bland, Gaisgill. GW Robinson, Crooklands.