Festive primestock sales see class acts

The lively event, held on a Sunday for the third year in a row, saw prizes given out in a variety of classes. In total there were 11 classes for butcher's cattle, eight butcher's lambs classes and awards for prime pigs.

There was also a hotly contested young handlers' class for up and coming farmers for the first time at the sales, with classes running up to and including those of 25-years of age.

This year's winner was Hannah Slowden, aged 15, from Howden near Goole, who impressed judges with her handling of a Limousin Heifer.

Butchers, bakers and farm shops also attended the event to make their own pork pies on the site, contesting the event's second Great Northern Pork Pie Fest. The pies were judged by a board of experts and aficionados with the supreme championship judged by Michael Ward of Stables Butchers, Keighley.

The show of prime pigs was also significant as it represents only the second time that the animal has made an appearance at the show in 15 years, having been reintroduced by bosses last year.

New this year is an inaugural charity show and sale of hay with classes for bales of old meadow hay and seed hay. These bales were later sold at a charity auction, together with additional pies donated by butchers, with proceeds in aid of Sue Ryder Care and Manorlands Hospice.

Organisers took the decision to hold the event on a Sunday in a bid to replicate the atmosphere and sense of occasion of the former Smithfield Christmas Fatstock Show in London.

Jeremy Eaton, general manager at CCM, said: "The event is growing every year. Not only does it cater for our farmer customers, but it also allows us to promote retail interest in prime stock to the regional meat trade, who also have an opportunity to meet farmers who supply them in person."