THE final sheep show of the season was hailed a success following a strong entry.

Organiser Neville Bainbridge praised the quality of the sheep presented at Langdon Beck Show, held in upper Teesdale on Saturday.

He said: “It’s a very good turnout and the classes are strong as usual. The weather has been kind to us. It’s cold, but it’s dry.”

Reflecting on the year, he added: “The summer has helped in some ways, though in others it has been hard.

“Our stock is down between £13 and £25 per lamb because there’s no grass down south because of the drought. The breeders don’t want to buy because they can’t keep them.

“Between the Beast from the East and the extreme heat, we can’t win.

“It’s been tough. Most farmers will say that but for our show, it’s been good. Everyone has got their jobs done, they’ve caught up with their work and they’ve had time to present their sheep. The standard is very strong.”

There were more than 150 entries in the sheep classes, with the overall championship won by Robert Hutchinson and sons, of Valley Farm, Bowes.

The reserve champion was S Bentley and DJ Mallon, while the local champion was won by Rachel Watson, of Stoney Hill, Harwood.

The young handler class was won by Hetty Hutchinson, while Tom Eccles, of Hardberry Hill Farm, won the trophy for the best pair of fat lambs.