A COLLECTION of more than 300 unique farming antiques went under the hammer as a farmer decided to sell up.

David Hollings, 56, said he had spent his life building up the collection, which included classic tractors and even an old stone water bottle.

But he said that he had to sell up after deciding to move house.

Mr Hollings, who lives in a farm in Whytha Lane, Rimington, said that he is sad to see the collection go but said he wanted to move on with his life.

A busy sale on Saturday saw him earn thousands of pounds as farming enthusiasts from across the region flocked to his farm.

The auction was run by Clitheroe-based Richard Turner and Son.

The event saw an old JCB digger sell for £1,150, an antique grey diesel Fergie tractor go for £820 and an iron bath go for £65.

Mr Hollings, who runs an anti-ques shop which is unconnected to his farming collection, said: "Collecting all of the items was just a hobby really.

"But it is something that I have done all of my life.

"It is fair to say I have been an obsessive collector and now it is time to sell up.

"It is sad to see the collection go but you have to move on."

Auctioneer Rachel Capstick said collecting old farm tools and rural history has become very popular over the last few years.