Suffolk pedigree sheep breeder Richard Bulmer, who farms at Great Habton and his wife Eileen, donated a special trophy for the inter-breed champion – champion of champions – in the sheep classes to mark the family’s 122-year involvement in the show.

And the inter-breed champion on the day was a delighted Richard Bulmer.

He said: “My wife said this morning when I left home that she could do with having the trophy sitting on the dresser because it looked so good. I said I’d do my best to bring it back, but I couldn’t promise. It’s wonderful to have won it.”

Richard has been showing Suffolks at shows up and down the country since 1951 and has a host of championships to his name.

But he was just as proud to see his grandson, James, win the Maurice West Trophy for champion sheep handler – a new award introduced at Malton this year at the request of Richard’s daughter and Chief Sheep Steward, Sarah Smith.