A LUXURY collection of designer items drew the crowds – and the money – to a Dales auction house.

A collection of designer handbags and accessories from a private Mayfair residence stole the show at a recent sale of vintage costume, textiles and dolls at Tennants’ Auction Centre in Leyburn.

All the lots sold, with the majority of items selling well above top estimate.

The Chanel handbags proved the biggest draw as five bags from the luxury French fashion house made a combined hammer price of £7,850.

The top spot went to a Chanel Black Quilted Classic Flap bag, which made £2,400 against an estimate of £300-500 after fierce bidding both online and in the room.

An early Steiff Elephant– with the trademark ‘button-in-ear’ of the German company – also proved a hit with buyers, going under the hammer at £900 against an estimate of £150-250.

Auctioneer Jane Tennant said: “There were a considerable number of private buyers in the saleroom, many new clients to Tennants.

“This luxury collection appealed to a new audience, which along with a high number of international online bidders encouraged competitive bidding.”