A BOOK has been produced to celebrate the centenary of Leyburn Livestock Auction Mart Company Ltd.

Charting the early days of the company in 1918 through to the present time, it also covers a brief history of fairs and markets nationally, how they operated and how auction marts developed and eventually took over the sale of livestock across the country.

There are many photographs, documents and newspaper archive cuttings in the book, together with memories and stories from the past, including those about the yardsman’s dog, which continued to come to work when his master was ill, and the debtor who fled and joined the army before the mart directors could catch up with him.

The books are priced at £5 each, which includes a donation to The Great North Air Ambulance and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. If unable to collect, the mart will post them out at an additional cost.

Celebrations began in February, when the annual dinner dance with a strong centenary theme, attracted more than 400 guests to Tennants Auction Centre. A tremendous night was enjoyed by all, including an entertaining and humorous speech by Len Scott of Bellerby, previously a customer and staff member.

At the annual meeting held in March, John Brown, past company chairman, was asked to cut the Centenary Cake, which was then distributed to shareholders, guests and staff who were present.

A day of celebration takes place on Friday, June 29, starting at about 2.30pm and will include stock judging, sheep shearing, trade stands, a bar, food stalls, a bouncy castle, Bucking Bronco, and an auction of promises in the evening at 5pm.

Music from the band “1two3four” will be provided from the early evening. Anyone with a connection to the mart has an open invitation and will be made welcome.

For more information about the book or centenary events, contact the office on 01969 623167 or email leyburn@auctionmarts.com.