PRIME cuts from a champion Kendalian beast enjoyed a short journey from farmgate to plate this Christmas as they landed on the shelves of Kendal's Booths store.

Ian Little's Limousin-cross beef cattle started out at his Barrows Green farm before being crowned champion and reserve champion at Kendal Auction Mart's Christmas Prime Stock show on November 29.

The local Limousins were then swiftly snapped-up on behalf of Booths by Bamber Bridge abattoir Kepak Ltd to enter the food chain.

After hanging the carcasses for a month, cuts from the Kendal beef champs were back from Preston and on the supermarket shelves where they were swiftly snapped up by shoppers, helped by a display of rosettes and the winners' cup.

"Booths are buying local beef which is great for us," said Mr Little, whose 620kg champion fetched well over the average price at £2.25p/kg while the reserve champion went for £1.70/kg.

He added: "It's gone from a local farm to a local supermarket. When I was in the store, people were asking questions about where the beef was from, it shows consumers care more and more, which is what we need."

Richard Gardner, of Kendal Auction Mart, said: "It's good for local farmers if its being bought locally, sold locally and sold to consumers in a local store. It's not always possible but it's good when it happens."