Cattle have been fetching outstanding prices at a York auctioneers despite the farming crisis - but the beasts that did so well were not "live" stock.
In fact the "small herd" that raised a total of £4,500 at Summersgills in Front Street, Acomb, consisted of Beswick China cows which had come from the private collection of a local man.
The collection, which was sold off following the owner's death, included dairy shorthorns which fetched £1,240, Ayrshires at £610, Aberdeen Angus cattle at £410, and Guernseys at £410.
In addition a huntsman, huntswoman, a fox and six hounds went for £485.
Auctioneer Tim Summersgill said he had never sold a herd like that before, and they were very pleased with the result, as was the widow of the previous owner.
"She was expecting £2,000 to £2,500, not £4,500, so she did quite well," he added.
On October 21 the Summersgills auction will include three ducks, a Highland calf, a bulldog, a fox, and Red Rum - all of Beswick China again - plus a dining table from St Peter's School.
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