WITH their top quality legs and udders, the girls' at a Bentham family farm have been crowned the best in Britain.

Robert and Elaine Butterfield's herd which includes the sought-after Buttergirls' cow family have been awarded the title of Premier Holstein Herd of 2004 in the Holstein UK's prestigious annual national herd awards.

The Butterfields of Linghaw Farm took the title after carrying off the northern regional prize for the second year in succession.

The herd was first registered as pedigree Friesian in 1960 by Robert's parents Richard and Annie, but was dramatically restructured in 1985 with a move to a more Holstein-type of animal.

Today it numbers some 105 milkers with around 170 animals calved down each year on their 330-acre, all-grass farm, supporting the family's business selling home-bred, fresh calved-heifers.

In addition to the famous Buttergirls' developed from a heifer bought at Lancaster market in the early 1960s, their herd which has the prefix Ingleview, includes a whole host of sought-after Holstein cow families.

Of the 65 cows in the herd, 30 are currently classified excellent' the top accolade in Holstein judging - and 35 are very good'.

"It was unbelievable to win," said Mrs Butterfield. "It's a real honour for our herd to be chosen out of the whole of the UK."