An unusual parcel of land with two historic pillboxes overlooking Chesil Beach has been sold for 40 per cent over the guide price.

In a sell-out online auction, the 36 acres of arable and pasture land attracted frenetic bids and ended up in selling for £455,000, well over the guide price of £300,000.

Symonds & Sampson auctioneer Mark Lewis said: "One of our more unique lots was at Burton Bradstock on the Jurassic world heritage coast.

"In 1940, 28,000 historic pillboxes were built in Britain, and two of only around 6,000 surviving today lie within the 36 acres of arable and pasture land.

"It is in a lovely position overlooking Chesil Beach and attracted huge interest."

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A nice tale then unfolded as it was found that the grandfather of an American online bidder had been posted near Chesil Beach during World War II.

Ross Willmington, partner in the firm’s Devon office said: "We received a huge amount of interest in the lots, not only from people within the region, but also London, Home Counties, the Eurozone and America.

"We were not surprised because we had lots that had not been marketed for 60 years and a unique parcel of land on the Jurassic coast."