ORGANISERS of Leek Cattle Market's golden jubilee were delighted when the day was capped off with a dairy cow achieving an astonishing price.

Hundreds of farmers, butchers and interested onlookers descended on the market to mark 50 years since it moved to its present site in Junction Road.

And they were all in awe when a bidding war broke out over a champion cow at a celebratory dairy and calf show.

The animal, owned by Bill Nadin of Earl Sterndale, was eventually sold for £2,800 – just £50 short of the record.

Leek Town mayor, Councillor John Povey presented Mr Nadin with a trophy.

Stan Huxley, from Talke, won the champion calf, a Belgian Blue, which sold for £335.

Councillor Gill Heath, whose family has strong connections to agriculture, presented him with a silver salver.

Mrs Heath said: "It was a very busy day with a large entry. It had a very positive feel to it. There were so many sellers and buyers that you could hardly get to the main ring."

When Leek Cattle Market moved to Junction Road from Haywood Street on March 2, 1960, it was one of 11 such markets within one hour's travel 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.

Every week hundreds of sheep and cattle swap hands and the top beasts can fetch thousands of pounds.

Retired auctioneer Stanley Bury, aged 81, of Ashbourne, decided to dust off his wellies to join the celebrations. The 81-year-old said: "People come from all over to visit the market. We are very lucky to have it here. It is the only one left in Staffordshire.

"Other markets at Uttoxeter, Congleton, Stone and Newcastle have all closed."

Nigel Barratt, who is originally from Macclesfield, held a stall at the event in the hope of drumming up extra work for his business cleaning farm buildings.

Mr Barratt, who now lives in Warwickshire, said: "It is a well sought after market. I came hoping to get a bit of extra business. It is a big sale here today. There are not many markets about these days and unfortunately a lot of farmers have gone out business as a result of the recession. It is sad that some can no longer make a go of it."

The market is now operated by Graham Watkins of Leek and Bagshaw of Uttoxeter.

Mr Watkins said: "The last 18 months have been phenomenal and the market is attracting farmers and dairy cattle from all over the country."

The site is owned by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and underwent a £300,000 refurbishment programme in 2006. The council 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 market develop as a dairy cattle centre of regional importance, with additional facilities including penning and unloading docks for a further 250 store cattle.

As well as its usual Tuesday livestock sales, the market also holds monthly Saturday store cattle sales, autumn store sheep sales and fortnightly poultry auctions.

Councillor Andrew Hart, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "Buyers are coming in from all over the country and farmers have now got confidence.

"The market is very successful and has proved it can be a survivor."

Twenty five people are now employed at the site on market day which includes office staff and drovers.

Farmers attending yesterday's celebrations were presented with a commemorative catalogue.