THE impending sale of fell ponies from a renowned Cumbrian herd is attracted interest from as far away as the United States.

The animals from the Murthwaite stud - one of the few semi-feral herds left running on the open commons - were bred by the greatly respected fell pony expert Thomas Capstick, who died earlier this month.

The sale - described as a 'herd reduction' - had been arranged before Mr Capstick's death on June 9. It takes place at J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, on Saturday.

Bill Nelson, livestock manager for J36 owner North West Auctions, said: "The sale is a major reduction of the Murthwaite stud. And there is world wide interest with potential purchasers coming over from Europe and the States as well as every corner of the UK."

Mr Capstick, who lived at Ravenstonedale near Kirkby Stephen, began the stud in 1962, allowing his fell ponies to run free-reign over a large expanse of the Howgills.

Describing himself as 'a fanatical fell pony breeder', he was renowned for the high quality of his animals, which secured him lots prizes at shows all over the region.

J36 Rural Auction Centre will also play host to Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and a BBC film crew on Saturday.

And it will see North West Auctions' summer sale of poultry and waterfowl, which comprises 346 lots of birds, hatching eggs, accessories and equipment.