SKIPTON-BASED land agents Windle Beech Winthrop recently held an auction at the Craven Arms, Giggleswick, 26 acres of high limestone pasture off Banks Lane, Settle.

The sale generated considerable interest locally and the sale room was packed solid to see auctioneer Jeff Crabtree offer the land for sale.

After spirited bidding, the land was finally sold to a local farmer for £58,000, a price which far exceeded the guide price.

Mr Crabtree said: "It was pleasing to see so much interest in this sale and such a good turnout on the evening. The sale price achieved reinforces the demand for agricultural land in the area, which has never been stronger. We were certainly very pleased with the price achieved.”

The solicitor for the sale was Richard Bentley, of Goad & Butcher, Settle.

Windle Beech Winthrop are to hold a further auction of 7.29 acres of grassland in upper Settle, also at the Craven Arms, Giggleswick, on Tuesday, December 2, at 7.30pm.