CRAVEN Cattle Marts has launched a new initiative in support of the Addington Fund’s ‘Tup 1 Ewe’ fundraising campaign.

Skipton mart was one of the first to support the national charity’s ground-breaking scheme when it was launched in September last year. It allows sheep farmers to donate live sheep through participating auction markets and nominate the sale proceeds to the charity.

Now Jeremy Eaton, Craven Cattle Marts general manager, has devised a new idea to help the campaign. It involves purpose-designed rosettes so potential purchasers can see which sheep are being sold in aid of the Fund.

He said: “The theme is that a farmer wishing to donate a lamb attaches a rosette to one sheep and we will do the rest, commission free.

“We suggest prime and store lambs, but farmers may choose to donate from any sheep sale by attaching the rosette. All they need to do is let us know ahead of each sale.”

Ian Bell, chief executive of the Addington Fund, said: “Livestock marts and farmers have always been incredibly supportive of our charity and we are particularly grateful to CCM Auctions for their ongoing support.

“One year down the line, this latest project should provide a timely boost to our fund-raising. The proceeds will be sent to us direct from the mart and, importantly, the funds raised will again support farming families in the region of the market.”

Christine Ryder, a local trustee of the fund who farms with her husband Chris at Scaife Hall Farm, Blubberhouses, said: “The Addington Fund continues to do sterling work in helping to maintain the economic and social fabric of UK farming communities. Once again, every penny raised will be used to support Yorkshire farming families.”

The couple have themselves raised £25,000 for the fund through charity breakfasts at their award winning bed and breakfast accommodation.