Some of the best beasts in Britain were on display and up for sale at the annual Darlington Farmers Auction Mart charity fayre and fat stock show that kicked off tonight.

Dozens of farmers, spectators and sellers from the North East and beyond were bundled up warm at the mart, which can be found off the A68 West Auckland Road for the annual affair tonight (December 4).

The jam-packed evening sees cattle and sheep judged and displayed, carol singers, stalls and an auction -  with hopes to raise thousands for charity in the process.

A cow at the Darlington Farmers Auction Mart.A cow at the Darlington Farmers Auction Mart. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Fields person Stephen Dodsworth was one of the organisers and explained that everyone is welcome to come along to events like this - not just farmers.

He said: "This is the fourth year we've done it - so we're in a bit of a routine now and know how it all works. But, we want to make a bit of money for charity.

"We want this to be open to the wider public. We want the people of Darlington to think they can come and join in with events like this. Farming has to engage with the public.

Stalls at the Darlington Farmers Auction MartStalls at the Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)Sheep at the Darlington Farmers Auction Mart.Sheep at the Darlington Farmers Auction Mart. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)"People need to realise where their food comes from. We have got to engage them and let them see what we do as an industry.

"Some of the cattle we have here tonight are the best in Britain. It's great to see them and let people have a look at them - they can see they are well looked after."

Stallholder Rachel Foster, 31.Stallholder Rachel Foster, 31. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Craft stallholder Susan Anderson, 68.Craft stallholder Susan Anderson, 68. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Spectators were welcome to wander through the stalls and take a look at the cattle on display - some of which were having one final groom or feed before the big show by their owners.

Tucked along the wall of the right-hand side of the room were sheep - who were also set to be judged and then sold off tomorrow (December 5).

This year, the chosen charities were The Salvation Army, Spennymoor cancer effort Team Solan and The UK Sepsis Trust.

Sheep at the Darlington Farmers Auction MartSheep at the Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) 51-year-old Sarah Neave, Hub and Wellness coordinator was manning the Team Solan stand - who were raising money with a tombola.

Sarah Neave and Mark Solan from Team Solan.Sarah Neave and Mark Solan from Team Solan. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Recommended:

Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year! Get a full year of the Northern Echo for only £25 or try 6 months for just £6. Support local journalism and stay informed about what matters most.

Sarah, who is a farmer's daughter, explained the charity was "chuffed to bits" when they were asked to join in this year.

Ann Connolly, 73 and Marilyn Waldock, 76.Ann Connolly, 73 and Marilyn Waldock, 76. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Elsewhere, 73-year-old Ann Connolly and 75-year-old Marilyn Waldock were working at The Salvation Army stall and were hoping for a surge in footfall as the night went on.

A full report on how much was raised is expected to follow the event in the coming days.