ONE of the most expensive Jacob gimmer lambs in Britain made a break for freedom and brought an auction in Edinburgh to a standstill.

And some people there jokingly made bets on whether it would make its way back home to Arkleside in Coverdale.

The gimmer lamb had been taken to the registered Jacob Society sale from the Arkleside flock by Mrs Barbara Johnston.

By the time the bidding had risen to 300 guineas that day the lamb decided it had had enough, bounded over the rails and shot out through the double doors into the busy thoroughfare.

With their white coats flapping, several officials gave chase and two lorry drivers were forced to brake hard to miss the lamb. As one of the drivers joined the chase the lamb dashed into a workman's hut and found itself cornered.

Forty-five minutes after its escape, it was cheered back into the ring, even if draped over the shoulders of one of the officials. As it was none the worse for its escapade, the bidding continued briskly.

The lamb finally sold for 400 guineas - 300 guineas more than any other gimmer lamb at the sale.

It did then return to Yorkshire but this time to near Knaresborough as it was bought by Mr Bill Foster. Mr Foster is the only Jacob sheep breeder who has had an interbreed supreme champion at a royal show - the Royal Welsh.