FINE wines and rare malt whiskies proved very popular at the latest wine and spirit auction at the Brightwells Leominster Saleroom.

A single bottle of 1950 single malt whisky from the Springbank distillery in Campbeltown went under the hammer for £1400. It came from a private collection of over 70 rare whiskies, some dating as far back as the Second World War.

Brightwells wine and spirit consultant Paddy Shave was delighted with the national and international interest in the collection. 'We had private collectors and specialists bidding from London, Scotland and a few from Europe. One of our buyers was bidding from a train halfway up a Swiss Alp.'

Other notable highlights included 1960s bottlings of Bowmore (sold at £920) and Ardbeg (sold at £820).

Over 300 lots of French wine from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne were also on offer. The saleroom was very well attended and there were many more buyers bidding online and by telephone.

Two bottles of Krug 1952 Champagne sold at £720 and a 12 bottle case of Chateau Ausone achieved £1450.

Port lovers were also well served with over 50 lots in the catalogue. Twelve bottles of Dow 1997 sold at £480 and a single bottle of Cockburns 1955 went under the hammer at £120.

The next sale of wine, port, champagne and whisky at Brightwells will take place on May 20. Please contact Paddy Shave on 01531 640592 or paddy.shave@brightwells.com for information about buying or selling wine at auction.