Young livestock handlers hailed as the "future of farming" were presented with trophies by civic dignitaries at a seasonal event in Norwich.

Norwich Livestock Market held its annual Christmas Show and Sale at Hall Road in the city.

It featured 115 cattle and calves, and 371 sheep - and it was also a valuable showcase for Norfolk agriculture's next generation, with young handlers classes judged by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, James Wright, and the Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Jan Sheldon.

The overall champion was nine-year-old Rosie Criddle, with the reserve prize going to Harry Key, 13, who won the 10-13 age category. Other winners included three-year-old Ned Case, who won the contest for five years and under.

Market chairman Stephen Lutkin said: "It was great to see a lot of youngsters taking part. It was a great show of quality animals as always, but the young handlers are the most important thing, because they are the future of farming."

In the cattle classes, the overall championship was won by Meg Atkins with a "tremendous" British Blue cross steer, which sold to the show judge for £1,175.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Livestock Market's Christmas Show and Sale - Meg Atkins in the ring with the cattle championNorwich Livestock Market's Christmas Show and Sale - Meg Atkins in the ring with the cattle champion (Image: Amy Kinge)

She also earned a "special mention" for a nine-month-old British Blue cross heifer which produced a market record price for the age group, of £1,675.

The reserve champion prize, chosen by judges Kevin and Alfie Badcock, went to Ed Lankfer with a pair of Simmental cross steers, selling at £990 to James Loveday.

In the calves section, judge Roger Long "backed his judgement to the tune of £500" to buy the champion animal, a British Blue bull calf from CW Potter, who also made £452, £398 and £338 for his other Blues.

In the sheep competitions, judge Chris Lakey bought both the champion and reserve champions, shown by TJ Martin and MK&CM Britton respectively.

Mr Lutkin thanked all the judges and the event sponsors, Thetford-based animal feed firm Mills on Wheels.

There was also a series of charity auctions and a presentation of £5,380 to farming mental health charity YANA (You Are Not Alone), raised at a social evening including a raffle and auction.

Eastern Daily Press:  Norwich Livestock Market's Christmas Show and Sale - cheque presentation to farming mental health charity YANA Norwich Livestock Market's Christmas Show and Sale - cheque presentation to farming mental health charity YANA (Image: Amy Kinge)