THE memory of Cumbrian farmer and highly-respected stockwoman, Hannah Brown, whose untimely death in March aged just 26 left the agricultural world in deep shock has been honoured by her colleagues.

A magnificent total of £2,240 was raised when generously donated sheep were sold at Skipton Auction Mart in her memory.

For one so young, Hannah had become a well-known and greatly respected figure at Skipton, initially when growing up with her parents, mart regulars and multiple prime lamb champions Martin and Val Brown, when they farmed in Newton-le-Willows, then later in her own right as both a breeder and show winner.

Hannah moved to Dufton in 2019 to live with farming fiancé Ben Richardson and last August the couple had a daughter, Millie, now nine-months-old.

The lambs were sold during Skipton Auction Mart’s annual May breeding sheep highlight with proceeds going to Eden Valley Young Farmers Club, based in Appleby-in-Westmorland, where it is hoped baby Millie will eventually one day follow in mum’s footsteps by becoming a member.

First into the sale ring was a Blue Texel gimmer hogg from Hywel Williams, of Llanddeusant in Carmarthenshire, a regular exhibitor and vendor at the annual fixture.

It realised £1,360 after being sold, re-offered then resold no less than five times in total.

Ben, Millie and the Browns were present at the sale, joined by Eden Valley YFC president Catherine Chappelhow, chairman Tom Barker, member Warren Porter and Tom’s father, Alan Barker, Cumbria Young Farmers Southern District president.

All expressed their sincere and heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming generosity of everyone concerned, notably Messrs Williams and Lancaster for so kindly donating the sheep and the multiple successful bidders.