A RURAL firm held two farming sales in just 72 hours at the weekend. 

Bateman Hosegood conducted a retirement sale on behalf of W J A Burnell and Son near Watchet, West Somerset, on Friday, October 6. 

With more than 600 lots on offer, as well as the larger items being offered online, the sale was 'extremely well attended'. 

A spokesperson for Bateman Hosegood said: "Richard and Chris Burnell chose to retire from farming following the decision by the landlords to try and develop various parts of the holding.

"Richard was born on the farm in 1948 and is well known to everybody in the area and further afield as an exceptional farmer, who has been innovative and forward thinking throughout his career.

"We would like to thank Richard and Chris and wish them well in their retirement and we are sure that they will be very much involved in the community going forward."

Just two days later, on Sunday, October 8, the team hosted the Quantock Pony Fair, selling ponies, horses, chickens, machinery, tools and sundries. 

South West Farmer: Quantock Pony Fair.

"Again, the sale was extremely well attended with additional car parking needed in the morning," the spokesperson added.

"The caterers had to restock four times during the day to keep everybody well fed and nourished.

"We would like to thank the Gibbons family, the Quantock Staghounds, and the Quantock Pony Breeders for their support in putting on the event which as ever was a fantastic social occasion for all.

"It was great to see, as so many other pony fairs have had to stop holding sales in recent years."