ROSS PARRY SYNDICATION: The world record price for a sheepdog was twice shattered at the same auction as enthusiastic experts forked out over 5000 pounds each for the cunning canines.

Over a thousand handlers from across the country descended on the Skipton Auction Mart in North Yorkshire for the event on July 16 – where the previous record was set six years ago.

And that record was smashed again as the two border collies were sold to big-pocketed buyers for 4,900 guineas, or 5,145 pounds - the price of a decent second-hand car.

One of the record-breakers was sold by esteemed Welshman Aled Owen, the reigning World Sheep Dog Trials champion, and the other by one of the country's leading handlers and trainers, John Bell.

Retired John, of Howden, East Yorks., who sold 14-month-old Ron, said: "I could tell from the moment I saw Ron that he was going to be a good dog. I knew he would go a long way because of his quality."

Mr Owen sold 26-month-old Llangwm Rex to Nigel Watkins of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire.