LAWNMOWERS, tractors and horse-drawn ploughs went under the hammer at an auction of old farm machinery at Barleylands Farm, Billericay.
The farm, in Barleylands Road, managed to raise £75,000 by auctioning off some of its prized possessions with the money raised going towards the costs of a new education centre, called the Discovery Centre.
Top lot was a 1945 Fordson Model N tractor which sold for £8,900.
Farmer Peter Philpot said: "We have been collecting these pieces for more than 50 years and we are very proud of our archive.
"With the new Discovery Centre opening we needed to make space for our more educational, interactive pieces.
"The development of the new Discovery Centre is a fantastic way to educate people about farming, the countryside and our environment."
The auction, held on Saturday, involved 500 lots including rare tractors from the Twenties. Engines, early lawnmowers, carts and restored horse-drawn ploughs were also up for sale. Mr Philpot added: "I was sad to see some of the things go, but I'm looking to the future of the discovery centre and all that has to offer."
The new attraction is set to open later this summer.
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