ABOUT 500 people turned up for the farm sale at Welland Down Farm, Sandford on May 5.

Roger and Dodie Huxter had farmed there for at least 20 years, reared cattle and sheep, been involved with Farmers’ Markets, in particular Crediton ever since it began, and Dodie’s project with her beloved Shetland sheep.

The farm has been let and next month Roger and Dodie move to a former barn, keeping a few acres for what Dodie says are "a few Dorset Horns and Poll Dorsets" as well as the Shetland sheep.

A sheep farming couple from Dorset have taken over the farmhouse, buildings and much of the land.

The morning began with the sale of 500 Polled Dorset, Polled Dorset cross and Shetland sheep.

The Polled Dorsets made up to 205 gns each on the ewes and a Polled Dorset ram made 500 gns. Some of the sheep went to France and a young lady from North Devon bought some of the Shetlands to begin a new flock.

There was also farm machinery, implements, farmyard sundries, sheep equipment and vintage machinery, much of which was from neighbour Paul Isaac.

Paul, who will be 93 in October, was born at Welland Down. The sale included his 1947 Field Marshall Mark Two tractor which did not sell.

About the 28hp tractor Paul said: "You chuck in five gallons of diesel and it will work all day!"

The sale included just about everything from a pair of Wellingtons that made £1, two milk churns that went for £30 together, old roof beams that made £5.

A fascinating day in a lovely spot for those less interested in the proceedings and wishing Roger and Dodie good luck, success and much happiness with their future projects.