A FARMER from Stockleigh Pomeroy who has been breeding Jersey cattle for 48 years, has been celebrating after his cows scooped prizes a South West competition.

Malcolm Huxtable, of Town Living Farm near Crediton, netted a number of rosettes in the South West Jersey Herds competition, which was judged in September last year.

His cows were commended by well-known judge Nick Dain, from Norfolk, who inspected 11 other herds of cattle throughout the region.

Malcolm and his wife Ann won three cups in a total of 12 classes with cows from their Sowden herd.

They were awarded the BOCM Paul's Cup for their cow Sowden Garth Miranda.

Malcolm (pictured with his grandchildren) said: "She was named the highest place senior cow in South West, after being classified by the society with 95 points out of 100 on inspection.

"There is only one other cow in England and Wales with 95 points."

They also walked away with The Badcock and Everard Cup for Heifers in milk, with Sowden Juno Dream 2 and the Canonteign Cup for a Group of Three Females with progeny of Potterswall Lord Juno. In the Dalena Trophy, the herd was also awarded second prize for a Dam and Daughter Pair with Sowden Zeb's Miranda and Sowden Garth Miranda.

Other achievements included The Montgomery Cup for Lifetime Prod-uction plus Inspection with Sowden Dante's Countess 2. We are thrilled to have been judged so highly.

"Our last major show success was in 2002 at the Devon County Show, where we won Supreme Champion of all breeds, the pairs all breeds and the group of three all breeds - all home bred," added Malcolm.