THE Northern and Borders Sheep Fair takes place at Hexham auction mart on Thursday.

Apart from the various breed societies and trade stands, the event also features a series of farmer forums.

The fair opens to the public from 9am and will be officially opened by Brig Alexander Birtwistle at 10.30.

Carl Stephenson and Maurice Jones will give a presentation on the Northern Uplands Sheep Strategy at 11am and Mike Dawson will explain the National Scrapie Plan at 1pm. Peter Watson of Animax will give a talk entitled "Well-timed and safe dipping of sheep" at 3pm.

The event is organised by Trident Feeds