A SUTTON farmer enjoyed success at the first rearing calf show of the year at Skipton Auction Mart.

David Smith’s first-prize Charolais-cross bull calf was named reserve champion.

The animal – by a stock bull that has produced past Skipton prize winners for Mr Smith – sold for £350 to Tom Watson, of Sawley, Ripon.

It was pipped to the champion spot by a British Blue-cross bullock shown by the Sowray brothers, who also took the title at the corresponding fixture last year. The champ sold for the day’s top price of £430.

Judge was Paul Drinkall, of Gargrave.

“A solid entry of 111 calves for the first show of the year attracted a good attendance of buyers – though most were cautious in the light of continuing uncertainty in the beef market,” said a spokesman.