Judges give perfect score to interbreed heifer

Alan Hall, from near Darlington, marked his first interbreed championship with his British Blonde heifer at yesterday’s show, winning a very strong cattle entry which saw exhibitors coming from all over the north of England to compete.

His animal, Ark Dora, on its first calf, has enjoyed success in its individual category events at the Cumberland and Penrith shows this summer, as well as taking the reserve interbreed title at the former.

However yesterday Mr Hall saw his animal really come into her own and take deserved first prize. “The secret? Tender loving care, really,” said Mr Hall.

“It was a great entry today but I am very proud of her and I really enjoy showing cattle.”

Mr Hall also paid tribute to his handler, Lucy Corner – champion young handler at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show – who was unable compete due to an arm injury.

Elsewhere the reserve champion was claimed by James Brookes and Victoria McLaren, of Great Smeaton near Northallerton, with their Aberdeen Angus bull.

Proud North Star, coming from the renowned Bonlea Angus herd, was reserve mail champion at the Highland Show earlier this year.

Aged 16 months, the bull will now go to the bull sales at Stirling later in the year where he is expected him to attract attention.