One of the UK's largest dispersal sales in recent times saw top prices paid for first class farm machinery.

The sale was the dispersal of tractors and machinery for contracting business MP Bennett and Son, which is changing policy.

The sale took place at Lower Farm at Alweston near Sherborne on February 15.

Based on the average price per lot, it was one of the largest sales held recently in the country.

Greg Ridout, a partner at Symonds & Sampson, which held the sale, said: "The quality of the kit was first class and buyers were drawn from all parts of the UK including Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

South West Farmer: The saleThe sale

"Bidders from the Eurozone also purchased, with 26 per cent of the lots sold via our online sale platform.

"Our clients should be congratulated for the presentation of the lots which were commented on by many purchasers."

The top price for the day was £80,300 paid for a 2020 John Deere 6130R tractor.

Second to this was a 2011 John Deere 7450 forager which went for £73,100.

A 2018 Vaderstad Tempo F8 Maize Drill sold for £49,800 while a 2019 McHale Fusion 3 Plus Baler achieved £46,100 and a 2014 John Deere 6170R with 13,000 hours on the clock went for £42,000.

Other notable lots included a 2013 Krone Big Pack 1290XC which sold for £40,900.

The sale included a wide range of items introduced by kind permission.

The top price in these was £65,300 for a 2018 Valtra T234 Versu £65,300.

The next highest price was a 2018 Case Puma 165 at £59,800 and a 2019 Valtra T174 Direct sold for £53,000.

The 2016 New Holland T7.210 achieved £50,700 while the previous year's model, the 2015 New Holland T7.210, sold for £30,300.