THE National Sheep Association has reported a "cracking trade" for rams at their annual South West ram sale held recently at Exeter Market.

Average prices moved strongly forward from last year with just under 500 rams on offer.

There was a good attendance of buyers from throughout the West Country with many representatives from North Devon.

Such is the popularity of the sale that others came from as far afield as Sussex and North Wales.

Topping the trade was a Suffolk Ram Lamb from Mr R Irwin of Umberleigh at £966, followed by a Texel Shearing at £924 from P & A Quick of Crediton.