County-bred bull sells for £55,000

A pedigree bull born and bred in Shropshire has become the fourth best selling animal of its type in the world.

Wilodge Cerberus fetched 50,000 guineas (£55,000) at a recent sale in Carlisle.

Christine Williams, of Shifnal, who co-owned the British limousine bull with partner, Paul Tippetts, 41, said there were claps and cheers in the auction room when he was sold.

The 21-month-old animal, nicknamed CB, has now gone off to his new home in Penrith, Cumbria, after being bought by Alan Jenkinson.

He will also be going to stud with company Cogent Ltd.

Miss Williams, 44, who trades as DA Williams in tribute of her father, Don, said it was the bull's physique which had led to him fetching so much money.

"Within the limousine that have been sold across the world he is the fourth highest price ever," she added.

"We are obviously highly delighted with the price we got for him. He was the best bull we have ever bred on the farm. We had one in 2005 which sold for 42,000 guineas but he has surpassed him."

She said: "We were extremely nervous because of all the ludicrous bluetongue restrictions and quite a few buyers from Ireland and Scotland were missing. The sale itself on the whole was quite hard work.

"We took two bulls and the other one made 5,200 guineas.

"We were pleased with that as well, what with all the hard work."

Miss Williams, who has herds of pedigree limousine cattle and British blues, said: "It was very, very silent when the sale was going on because of the situation but when it had finished there was a lot of clapping and cheering."

She admitted that it was sad to see the dark liver red coloured bull go, adding: "He was such a gentleman to work with and a delight to own."

The Wilodge herd was established in 1989 by Miss Williams and her father and she took over the business on her own in 1997.

By Lisa Rowley