It was mixed emotions for a small-scale beef cattle producer as she took the top prize at livestock auctioneers Stanfords’ Christmas show in Colchester today.

A tearful Heather Blythe, of Horsford, near Norwich, won best in show with her multiple prize-winning heifer, sold for £4/kg, or a total of £2,500.

“I’m really pleased,” she said. “I have thought a lot of this heifer, but she’s got to go now.”

Thirteen-year-old Jack Byford took top prize in the sheep section for a pair of Texels crossed with Beltex which he raised himself. Grandfather, Cyril Byford, accepted the trophy as Jack was at school.