A HEFTED Rough Fell flock that has been built up over half a century is being offered as part of an rare Eden farm sale.

The flock, established by the Dodd family since 1965, is included in the guide price of £975,000 for Flakebridge Farm, near Kirkby Stephen.

Norman Dodd, who took over running the farm from his late father Willam in 1980, said he was 'cutting down' his farming interests because his family was 'not interested' keeping sheep.

He is renowned as a prolific and highly respected breeder and his flock has achieved notable success.

In 2013, the sale of ten Flakebridge draft ewes achieved a record price of £220 per head. The flock itself is crucial to the maintenance of the breed’s high profile and has become highly respected both locally and nationally for the quality it produces year on year.

Selling agents H& H Land and Property said the opportunity to purchase such a renowned flock in addition to a high quality working farm offered 'huge potential for growth to those with aspirations befitting the Dodd’s legacy'.

Flakebridge Farm consists of around 185 acres of land with sizeable grazing rights on Longdale Fell for sheep, cattle and horses.

The farm's 184.48 acres include 122 acres of grazing and mowing land, with 60.5 acres of enclosed rough grazing. It has common rights on Longdale Fell for 396 ewes, 131 rough fell gimmer hoggs, 34 cattle and 3 horses.

There are also shared rights on 50.371 acres of Ravenstonedale Common.

The farm buildings include a traditional stone built four-bedroomed farmhouse dating back to 1787, together with a range of modern farm buildings including a collection of sheds and barns. These include a cattle shed, a cubicle shed, a stone barn and sheep shed, sheep handling pens, dipping tub and tool, and feed stores.

Craig Brough of H&H Land and Property said: “This is a superb farm in a stunning location, offering an ideal starting point for a farm business, or for someone who is looking for an upland stock farm. The farm offers tremendous business opportunity and I am sure the sale will create a great deal of interest.”

Viewings can be arranged through H&H Land and Property.