ACCRINGTON farmer and butcher George Cropper secured championship success, and top-price honours, for his rams and ewes at the Beltex Sheep Society’s 12th annual show.

Winning ewe Ardstewart Party Politics was bred in Aberdeenshire by Stuart Wood and bought by Mr Cropper last year.

She was sold for 2,200gns (£2,310), returning to Stuart Wood.

Mr Cropper also established a record 3,700gns (£3,875) for top shearling ram, Hudhey Rockafella ET.

Mr Cropper, a partner in George Cropper Butchers, in Accrington Market, has been breeding Beltex sheep for five years.