AN East Lancashire sheep breeder led the buying at a recent sale and set a new breed record in the process.

Alan Barnes, who runs the Cowden flock of Bluefaced Leicester sheep in Great Harwood, splashed out 5,500 guineas at a breed sale in Carlisle.

Mr Barnes' top buy was a two-shear ewe from R and M Scott, of Greenhead, Carlisle, and the price-tag was a new female record for the breed.

Mr Barnes also paid 3,200 guineas for the day's second top entry which was a 2003-born ewe from the same farm.