Members of Addingham and District Sheep Breeders Association are holding their forth annual charity sheep sale in aid of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. The event which has become a real attraction at Skipton Auction Mart, is to be held on Wednesday 15 December and organisers are asking farmers to donate a mule wether lamb to the cause.

Last year’s event saw the lamb judged as the winner raise what £1,300, an amount estimated to be the world’s second highest for such a lamb, just less than the price of £1450 which was raised at the same event in 2008. The total raised by the 40 lambs donated in 2009 by kind hearted farmers was £5391 which was almost £2,000 higher than the previous year.

The lambs will be judged at approximately 11am by James Dewhirst who will decide the winner of the now prestigious Pearson Farm Supplies Trophy. Then Craven Cattle Marts auctioneer, Jeremy Heaton will auction the Champion at approximately 11:30 am. The sale of the other donated lambs will follow with all proceeds going to the hospice which cares for over 650 local people each year.

Sue Ryder Fundraiser Andrew Wood expressed delight that the group has chosen to support Manorlands once again, “There is no finer example of the generosity of the rural and farming population than this sheep sale which continues to grow in reputation each year. The event has raised £10,000 in the past three years alone to support our work and we are thoroughly grateful to the Addingham Sheep Breeders and all who donate and bid for the lambs.”

For the first time this year, free refreshments will be provided to anyone who brings in a lamb in a new incentive sponsored by the Malham Show Society. Any farmers wishing to donate a mule wether lamb should just bring it on the day or can contact John Mawson on 07796332750.

For more information contact Andrew Wood in the Manorlands Fundraising Office on (01535) 640176 or email Andrew.Wood@suerydercare.org