STAFFORDSHIRE'S only livestock market drew thousands of visitors as it celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its move to its present home.
Champion of Champions with its owner Bill Nadin
Leek Cattle Market, in Junction Road, played host to special dairy and calf show plus sale as well as its usual Tuesday livestock sales.
When the livestock market moved to Junction Road from Haywood Street on March 2, 1960, it was one of 11 such markets within an hour of Leek.
Half a century later, it is the only one left in Staffordshire and its nearest rivals are Chelford, in Cheshire, and Bakewell, in Derbyshire.
The day was marked with the special classes, with each visitor to the market receiving a commemorative catalogue and brief history of the market, published by Leek Auctions Ltd, which operates the markets.
Winner of the Champion Calf Class was Stanley Huxley, of Talke, who received a silver salver from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, which sponsored the class as site owner.
However, winner of the prestigious Champion of Champions class was Mr Bill Nadin, from Earl Sterndale, who sold his animal for £2,800 — just £50 short of the record.
He received a trophy from Leek Mayor John Povey.
Bruce Daniel, director at Leek Auctions Ltd, said: “The directors and staff wish to thank all buyers and vendors who have support the market over the years.
“We also want to thank the district council for their continued support and we look forward to working with them to ensure the continuing vibrance of the region’s livestock centre.” The market has gone from strength to strength in recent years, thanks partly to a £300,000 refurbishment in 2006.
SMDC provided £170,000 of the funding, with the rest coming from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.
The improvements included a new office building, the covering of the remaining barren cattle pens and a new multi-purpose building.
The work was carried out in partnership with Leek Auctions to assure the long-term future of the market for the farming community.
The last 12 months have seen the addition of further facilities, including penning and unloading docks for a further 250 store cattle.
Ben Emery, district council portfolio holder for arts, culture and tourism at SMDC, said: “We’re delighted to have been associated with the livestock market throughout its 50 years in Junction Road and to have played an important role in its well being.
“I wish the market every success for the next half century, and look forward to the council and Leek Auctions continuing to work together to promote Staffordshire’s only livestock market.”