A RAMSBOTTOM restaurant owner shelled-out nearly £4,000 for the top two animals at a Christmas show and sale of cattle.

Out of 250 prime cattle at the Gisburn Auction Mart event, the championship rosette went to a 21-month-old 552kg Blonde D'Aquitaine heifer from 21-year-old Hayley Baines, of Trawden.

The renowned Fisherman's Retreat restaurant, Ramsbottom, bought the animal for £2,208, or 400pence per kgs. The beef from this animal will be on the menu over the New Year at the restaurant.

Beef farmers Richard and Julie Critchley, of Hutton, had a very successful day when they picked the reserve champion award with a Belgian Blue heifer. Weighing 580kgs, she sold for £1,711 or 295p per kg, again to Fisherman's Retreat.