HUNDREDS of farmers and visitors bustled around Holsworthy's new livestock centre for the first Christmas show and sale.

More than 1,300 head of stock went under the hammer at Kivells' first festive sale held recently, which included carol singing from primary school children around the Christmas tree and a free hogg roast and mulled wine for all who attended.

The champion steer sold for a tremendous £1,543 (235 p/kg) on behalf of Eddy Cowling, of St Gennys, to Rodney Phillips (wholesalers) from Bristol. It was a double success for Eddy, when he took took the championship the next day at Hallworthy market with a British Blue steer, raising £1,632.

A superb entry of 170 baby calves saw M/S Gorst and Son secure the championship with their British Blue Bull, which topped the day at £420 and taking away the HSBC award back to their home near North Petherwin.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.