That coat is so ewe as sheep enter into fashion

West Yorkshire firms put up most of the prizes for an event which is a reminder of one of the reasons for the huge variety in sheep breeds. The wool trade groups them in seven broad categories, according to the markets they supply.

Commentator Charles Clark, a Somerset auctioneer, did his best to explain what the groups had in common and what the individual breeds were particularly noted for, while retired wool buyer Malcolm Hudson, from Shipley, who is now in his 90s, examined the entrants.

Best of the Lustre Longwools, which contribute to shiny fabrics, was a Wensleydale from Sheila Prescott, of Longhorsley, Northumberland. A Masham from Keith Liddle, of Stainburn, Otley, beat a Mule in the play-off in the cross-breed section, which mainly supplies the carpet industry. A North Country Cheviot from William Thomson, of Kelso, Scotland, came top of the Hill Breeds, which supply for knitwear and blankets.

Best of the general-purpose Medium Breeds was a Lleyn belonging to John Kinghan, of Dumfries. For the fourth year running, Brian and Jane Knowles, of Selsides, Kendal, presented the same Rough Fell ewe and saw her declared best of the Mountain Breeds, beloved of Italian mattress makers. A Jacob from Gavin and Rebecca Haworth, of Skipton, won the Natural Coloured section, popular with small spinners and weavers. Best of the Down Breeds, which are good for socks and knitting wools, was a Bleu Du Maine from Simon Norman, a freelance shepherd from Taunton, Somerset – and his shearling ewe was later chosen Supreme Champion, with the Wensleydale as Reserve.

There was general agreement that the price of wool was rising because natural fibres are becoming fashionable again – and it was seen as significant that Marks & Spencer had come in as sponsor of Wool on the Hoof. Chris Mudd, of Brompton-by-Sawdon, near Scarborough, said he was getting £20 or more for Leicester Longwool fleeces which were worth £2 or £3 two years ago. The wool is good for wigs and hair extensions.