Swaledales four-timer for breed specialist Roy Nelson

Yorkshire Dales Swaledale sheep supremo Roy Nelson retained the title for the fourth year in succession at the 2008 annual show and sale of Swaledale prime lambs at Skipton Auction Mart.

Roy, who trades as C Nelson and Sons at Lainger Farm, Bordley, struck yet again with a pen of ten hoggs, chosen as champions by James Dewhirst, Lothersdale, who followed up his judgement at the ringside when purchasing the 59kg victors for £57.80 a head on behalf of Skipton-based Stanforths Butchers.

Selling prices were notably higher than the corresponding fixture last year, with regular Skipton buyer Paul Watson, of Hellifield, snapping up all other prize winners in both the Swaledales and other horned lambs show classes.

As in 2007, Roy Nelson also claimed the third place Swaledales rosette with a 52kg pen that made £50.50, with the runners-up berth occupied by fellow Dales sheep farmer Robert Crisp, of Nelson Farm, Calton, his 50-kilo charges selling for £50.20.

Dalesbreds made a clean sweep in the other horned lambs section. Stephen Marshall, of West End, headed the class with a 43kg pen selling at £46.80 each. Runner-up was Kevin Wilson, Blubberhouses, 36kg at £38.60, and third Martin Brown, Ramsgill, 46kg at £46.50.