One of the largest crowds in recent memory assembled at Bishopton to ensure that the 25 years spent farming by Heather Marks and her late husband Jim ended in style.

The dispersal sale on behalf of H D Marks, Gilly Flatts Farm, Bishopton, near Stockton, who had gathered a truly impressive collection of farm machinery and livestock requisites, attracted a massive crowd.

More than 400 lots sold to 123 buyers from across the UK, while many others went home empty-handed.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The dispersal sale at Gilly Flatts Farm, Bishopton, attracted hundreds of buyers

Trade, which was overseen by Darlington Farmers' Auction Mart was electric from the start with bidding competitive for a tremendous array of workshop tools right through the machinery and on to the well-maintained vehicles at the end.

The top priced lot of the day proved to be the penultimate one – a 2018 New Holland T7.270 Autocommand tractor with 2,180 hours on the clock, which sold for £70,500. A very tidy Case 115u Farmall loader tractor followed at £31,100 with the showstopping MB Trac 1000 reaching £19,500 and the 2002 registered New Holland TM150 selling for £19,000.

A spokesman at Darlington mart said: "All the staff and directors here at Darlington mart would like to take this opportunity to thank Heather for the kind instruction to conduct this sale.

"Alongside husband Jim, the Marks’ have always been a pleasure to work for and the wonderful cattle from Gilly Flatts for many years were some of the very best we offered through our sale rings.

"The volume of friends, neighbours and like-minded farming folk in attendance today as the curtain fell on Heather and Jim’s era at Gilly Flatts was true testament to their kindness, hard work, knowledge and dedication.

"We wish Heather all the very best in her well-deserved retirement and we are delighted that she will remain local and therefore stay a part of the DfAM family."

Prices: New Holland T7.270, £70,500; Case Farmall 115u, £31,100; MB Trac 1000, £19,500; New Holland TM150, £19,000; Merlo P40.7, £16,200; Polaris Ranger, £14,500; Krone Swadro TC640, £11,000; 30ft Barraclough Bale Trailer, £10,000; McHale v660 Baler, £9800; McHale C430 Straw Blower, £9000; Triffit Grain Trailer, £7600; MF 3095, £7400; McHale 991LBER Wrapper, £6500; Henton Grain Trailer, £5300; Mustang 920 Skid Steer, £4800; Master M150 Grain Dryer, £4500; 3 Leg Sub Soiler, £4200; Cattle Crush & Race, £3900; Kuhn 6 Rota Tedder, £2900; Bale Trailer, £2800; Opico Vari Discs, £2700; Tipping Trailer, £2200; KRM Fert Spreader, £2200; Ifor Williams Flat Trailer, £2100; Vaderestad Drill, £2100; Low Loader Trailer, £2050.