The pens at Ross Cattle Market were full on Friday afternoon, September 22nd, as the Deerhurst Herd of pedigree Simmentals were bedded in for the night.

The herd, which had been built up by Mr Guy Van Der Gucht since 1981 were to be sold on the Saturday, and there was plenty of interest in the fine beasts.

There were 65 lots on offer including 25 cows with calves at foot and three stock bulls.

On sale day the rings were packed with buyers, everything was sold and cattle went as far as Inverness, Cornwall and West Wales.

The maiden and yearlings topped £4,830 with an average of £2,125. The in calf heifers went for a top price of £4,200, and averaged £2,124.50. Cows with calves at feet topped £4,042, averaging £2,600. Young bulls topped £2,782.50 with an average of £2,240. Stock bulls topped £2,730, averaging £2,555.

Stockman Noah Hoskins, who has looked after the herd for the last 28 years, travelled with them to Ross. He was tending to them on Friday night and will now be retiring at Apperley, their former home.