A MASSIVE machinery sale at a Ribble Valley auction mart, which attracted buyers from across Europe and raked in £400,000, is to be repeated.

Auctioneer David Sunderland, 24, of Stonyhurst, hosted the sale of agricultural and construction machinery at Gisburn Auction Mart last November.

It was the biggest of its kind ever held in East Lancashire and attracted buyers from across the UK, as well as from Holland and Ireland.

Tourism in the Ribble Valley virtually dried up overnight as a result of foot and mouth and a huge question mark hung over the future of the auction marts at Gisburn and Clitheroe.

Clitheroe Auction Mart picked itself up by holding weekly farmers' markets, which attract shoppers from throughout the North West looking to buy quality goods direct from producers.

David's company, Gateway Auctions, has announced a big drive-by sale at Gisburn Auction Mart on January 25.

Excavators, dozers, tractors, skid steers, fork lift trucks, commercial vehicles, loading shovels, trailers and agricultural machines will be on sale.

The sale will feature an undercover viewing and seating area.

David said: "The success of the first sale in Gisburn exceeded all our expectations in terms of sales and attendance.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has praised the young entrepreneur for helping the area recover.