BROUGHTON Auction Mart finally re-opened its doors after 14 months to a packed ringside last Thursday for its Spring Sale of Store Cattle.

The Auction Mart pens were filled to capacity with an entry of over 380 cattle, and buyers from all over the North of England and Scotland jossled for position around the ringside to bid at the quality stock on offer.

The show was sponsored by Willman Farm Supplies and Furness Supplies with prizes being offered for Best Steer and Best Heifer.

An overall champion was also selected by judge Herbert Hunter.

It was the first time the H & H Kendal Partnership had run the sale at Broughton, and David Thomlinson opened the proceedings by thanking all the Broughton auction directors not only for allowing the Partnership to run the sale but also for all their hard work in getting the auction licenced by DEFRA and Trading Standards.

Despite the huge entry for the sale, all the cattle arrived on time and were penned ready for the sale at 1.00pm.

Staff from Kendal Auction Mart had also raced across the county after the sale in Kendal had finished to assist at Broughton.

Both customers and buyers were extremely pleased with the professional way the sale was run and entries are already being taken for the next catalogued sale on May 21.

Regular sales of store cattle will continue throughout the year and plans are in hand to begin regular collections of primestock and lightweight lambs in the very near future.

For all inquiries for Broughton contact the Kendal office on 01539-720603 or Alan Harrison on 01229-716332

Prizewinners - Best Steer & Overall Champion, a Limousin aged 25 months from E & S Bower, bought by Mr Mitchell.

2nd Prize: Hinning House Farm Bootle, £560, bought by Mr Chapman

Best Heifer, a Limousin aged 23 months, from Messrs Wilson Dunningwell, Millom, bought by Messrs Dickinson, High Knipe.

2nd Prize T & J Hartley & Sons, Turner Hill, £ 500, bought by R & M A Woods, Rame Farm.

Prices - Steers to £800 - Messrs E.

& S.

Bower, Burney End, average £492.

Heifers to £620 - Mr R.C.

Fox, Hill Farm, average £390.

Bull to £318 - Mesrs A.C.

Wilson & Son, Hoathwaite.

Cow and Bull Calf to £1,300, Mr W.D.

Irving.