EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to globally-renowned livestock auctioneer, David Thomlinson, 73, who died in tragic circumstances on his farm at the weekend.

Mr Thomlinson was a highly respected auctioneer at Harrison and Hetherington’s Borderway Mart at Rosehill in Carlisle.

In a statement Harrison and Hetherington described him as a ‘legend within our auctioneering industry’.

"He will be remembered for his outstanding dedication to the livestock auctioneering world, within H&H throughout the UK and across the world," said the statement.

He had worked at the company for 57 years, and was praised for his skill in mentoring and developing the next generation of auctioneers.

Outside of the auction ring Mr Thomlinson had a long association with Limousin cattle, and along with his wife Sheila owned a pedigree herd.

He was a past president of the British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) and the breed society paid their respects by describing the role Mr Thomlinson played in the livestock industry, and development of the Limousin breed, as ‘huge and important’.

A statement from the BLCS said: “Through his work with Harrison and Hetherington, and with his affinity to Limousin cattle, David’s mark on British Limousin extends the mantle of him being a true legend of the breed.”

He was chairman of the National Beef Association, and a past chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers Association.