An auction to sell off parts of a beloved vintage steam fair has been hailed a success after a large turnout saw all lots sold.

On Sunday, July 9, the public were welcomed into Carters Steam Fair's home at White Waltham for a unique event which saw 347 lots up for grabs; including vehicles, pieces of rides and signs.

Last year, Carters Steamfair made the decision to cease travelling, with the fair later being put on the market.

With the future still uncertain for Carters Steamfair and a buyer not yet in sight, owner Joby Carter has made the decision to begin selling items from the fair.

Speaking on the Carters Steam Fair auction, owner Joby Carter said: “The weekend was fabulous, it was really busy and a sociable event.

"Lots of people were fired up to buy a bit of history and memorabilia of Carters Steam Fair ranging from random old motors all the way through to lorries, a galloper horse and dodgem cars.

"The most sought after and competitive bids were on items that had been used at the fair and items that were painted by myself, my mum or signwriters that have worked with us."

While the overall earnings from the auction are being kept tightly under wraps, the owners have revealed the cost of a few highly sought-after items.

A fully restored 1966 Super Six County tractor with Boughton winch, with its original green log book sold for over £18,000.

Joby described the item as the fair's "pride and joy" and notes that the new owner has requested additional Carters style decoration to be added ahead of delivery.

A Galloper horse on a rocking horse-style frame sold for over £3,000.

While a range of hand-painted lettering went from £60 to £600.

Joby continued: "The handpainted signs from myself, my mum Anna Carter, Aaron Stevens and Stan Wilkinson were the things that people really wanted to own which shows the great appreciation that’s come back for hand-painted signs.

"I’m always doing my bit to preserve traditional skills in our digital age so this was great to see."

A number of fairground heritage items were bought by one individual, including a rare hoopla stall with original paintwork by Edwin Hall still on it and the 1930s Orton and Spooner monorail ride which was originally called 'The Speedway' with wooden motorcycle mounts and cars and featured original Sid Howle paintwork on the pay box.

"It was so good to see people enthusiastic about what they bought and that things will go on to have a new lease of life," Joby continued.

"It was lovely to have sent so many people away happy. It was a different happiness to having a ride at the fair but it was a happiness that people have got a little piece of it."

Carters superfan, Gary Rivers, who began a petition to save the fairground and keep the collection together, undertook a 1,860-mile round trip from Sweden and left with a Dodgem car - which he dreamt of owning since he was seven. 

Joby hopes to hold another auction in a few months' time.