A KNUTSFORD-BASED auctioneer has raised £230,000 for charity through the sale of a model train collection.

Wright Marshall Fine Arts in Church Hill raised the money through the sale of the Antony Adler model train collection.

The two-day sale, on January 11 and 12, featured more than 4,000 model locomotives from all over the world and exceeded the £150,000 estimate for the whole collection.

Bidders from around the globe took part in the event and Wright Marshall took bids from the auction room, telephone and the internet.

Certain lots fetched an ‘impressive’ price, such as the boxed Golden Age Models blue locomotive, which sold for £1,000.

Peter Ashburner, Specialist Toy Valuer at Wright Marshal, said: “I’m delighted that this particular loco sold for its top estimate. Golden Age Models are of exceptional quality and there was a strong demand for this very collectable piece.”

Many lots went for way over their top estimated value, such as the boxed Corgi Basset-Lowke ‘0’ gauge which was estimated at £300-£500, and sold for £780.

Peter added: “The price achieved for this train was well in excess of what we normally achieve for this particular model, and in my view this is because of the absolutely immaculate condition of it and the fact that it had the original duster and all the paperwork with it.”

The very successful sale helped raise more than £230,000 which will go to nominated charities, just as Mr Adler instructed his solicitors.

Peter added: “It was fantastic to be involved in the sale of such an incredibly vast and varied collection. It’s also particularly pleasing that the money achieved will be used in such a positive way.”

For more information about Wright Marshall Fine Arts auctions and for upcoming auction details visit wrightmarshall.co.uk/fine-arts/sale-dates