A festive tradition went down a storm as locally-reared poultry went under the hammer in Cockermouth today.

The Christmas poultry sale has been held in the town for more than 100 years and 240 customers descended on Mitchells Livestock Auction Mart, at the Lakeland Livestock Centre for the event.

John Wharton, livestock manager, said: "We’re proud to put a marvellous show of poultry on for such a fabulous turnout of people, with a nice trade for the people that’s entered them.

"It’s a very traditional market and we enjoy putting this sale on for that reason.

"People like to see what they’re buying to go on a Christmas plate."

A selection of dressed and rough plucked turkeys, geese and other poultry of all shapes and sizes went on sale in front of a packed crowd of customers from across the county.

There were also farmers’ market stalls selling cakes and vegetables and turkey dinners served in the centre’s restaurant.

Jade Williams, of Flimby, was hoping her son Dylan, five, could help secure their Christmas dinner despite the fierce competition for bargain birds.

Dylan was at the front of the crowd with his eye on a 17lb turkey.

Jade said: "There are one or two down in front of us so we’re just waiting for them to go under the hammer. Fingers crossed we can get one."

Janet Walker and her son Freddie, nine, of Mockerkin, were after a similar prize while Tommy Hodgson, 97, of Cleator claimed one for £34.

“I’ve come every year since they opened here,” he said.

“That’s a great deal I’ve got but I want another one.”

One Bootle farmer splashed out more than £100 on a highly sought after goose early in the sale and a particularly hefty turkey which auctioneer James Moore described as a “monster” went for a bargain £60.

The event was not affected by the recent outbreak of bird flu in Europe.

Poultry farmers have had to bring their stock indoors for 30 days.

It is the first time a warning to keep all poultry and captive birds indoors has been issued in the UK following an outbreak of bird flu.