A NORTH-EAST bred Charolais topped the Christmas Cracker female section at 7,800gns at Carlisle on November 26, at the breed society's autumn event.

Mowbraypark Treasure from Mike and Margaret Atkinson of Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon, which stood reserve champion in the section is in the breed's top 1pc with a Beef Value of CH40. The April 2002-born served heifer was by the Killadeas Jack son, Mowbraypark Paramount, and out of Mowbraypark Naxos, full sister to the 25,000gns Perth champion, Mowbraypark Orlando. Treasure sold to the Blyth family, Roy, Jean and Neil, to join their Marwood herd at Elwick, Hartlepool.

Mowbraypark lines were also evident in Thrunton Tania, an August 2002-born served heifer from the Campbells of Thrunton, Alnwick. Sired by Orlando, she was out of a homebred cow by the 20,000gns Perth champion, Moncur General. Tania went for 5,400gns to breed newcomer, A K Brooke of Glenluce, Newton Stewart.

A 4,200gns bid from Cheshire breeder, W Baxte, Nantwich, secured Brampton Uniglow CH31, a 22-mo maiden who was first in her class. Bred by Billy Turner, Ripon, Uniglow was sired by Brampton Ronaldo and her hombred dam was Brampton Rizzo, going back to the noted Brampton Chopper.

The bull section was topped by Esgob Union, a 19-month-old from Welsh breeder, Gareth Jones of, Bala, who made a highly successful comeback to Carlisle after a ten-year absence and took home the silverware for what amounted to the fourth time. Union, a Simpsons Gregg son and out of a homebred cow, went to W E Parsons, of Laxey, Isle of Man.

Averages: 30 bulls £2,744 (up £156.26 on 2003). Christmas crackers: 3 served heifers £6,790; 14 maidens £2,370. Maerdy: 42 heifers £1,333.75; 8 other collective females £1,030.30; Bega reduction: 11 head £1,188.41.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.