ONLINE bidders bagged themselves some bargains when the assets of former independent school Malsis were offered for sale at auction.

And a carved oak bear - the symbol of the Glusburn school - was the single most expensive item in the sell-off, going for a staggering £10,000.

Around 1,000 people went to the viewing day before the online auction started and saw the 1,400 lots that were on offer.

A World War One aircraft propeller which had pride of place in the dining room achieved £2,500, while the honours board recording pupil achievements between 2010 and 2013 sold for £2,450.

Other highlights included the £2,025 which was paid for a mantle clock from the headmaster’s office, while a relatively modest bid of £310 was enough to secure the posts from the first team rugby pitch.

Jason Pinder, director at Eddisons Leeds, who arranged the sale, said: "The interest in this sale was unprecedented in my experience. People were queueing well before we opened the doors on the viewing day, all anxious to get their hands on a slice of history.

"Visitors included numerous old pupils for whom several items had real sentimental value, while representatives from local schools and other institutions had their eyes on machinery, furniture and general classroom and sports equipment."

Also among the lots were bunk beds, trophy boards and a variety of seating, including sofas and wooden benches.

They also included the entire contents of the headmaster's study, including an Elm coal shuttle, a football signed by Burnley FC and a standard lamp.

The independent school was closed in December following an unsuccessful attempt to merge with Giggleswick School.

With many items still to be catalogued, Eddisons is looking at the possibility of a further sale.

Mr Pinder said: "There are a number of items we were unable to include in the first sale which we still need to dispose of. This means a second sale is a distinct possibility and is good news for anyone who missed out first time around."

Eddisons is also handling the sale of the main school buildings and grounds. There has already been considerable interest, the firm has maintained.

The company's John Padgett said it was committed to finding an "appropriate" buyer for the site.

"This is a wonderful property within extensive grounds and we will be working as hard as we can to find a buyer who will be sympathetic to its history and respectful of the wishes of the local community," he said.

"A number of interests have already been registered.

"Any future alternative uses will be subject to planning and will need to be sensitive to the property's setting. It will be important, however, to secure a viable and economic use to protect the health of the buildings."