AN UNUSUAL collection of vintage machinery sold for thousands of pounds at a Malpas auction.

More than 2,000 people from all over the country descended on The Haven, Lower Wych, to see a collection of enamel advertising signs, sandstone items and vintage machinery belonging to late vintage collector John Grocott.

Mr Grocott had spent about 70 years of his life building up the collection, and rarely missed a farm sale in Che hire.

His unique tractor collection, including two genuine Grey Fergusons, sold for nearly £6,000 at the sale, with his C-registration Case International 1394 going for the top price of £4,400.

Mr Grocott’s collection of 27 enamel signs sold for £90, and other big sellers were a Honda quadbike and an ornamental wrought iron gate.

Allen Gittins, director of Halls, who conducted the auction, said: “The auction obviously caught the imagination of the public and attracted a real cross section of people, from farmers and collectors to homeowners.

“There was something for everybody in the sale, which resulted in an excellent trade across the board, with demand especially high for old fashioned and vintage items.”

Proceeds from the auction will go to Mr Grocott’s estate.