A bidding war broke out for an extensive character building in Redruth town centre.

The property with five flats and a shop at 91 Fore Street, fetched £87,500 when it went under the hammer. It was among the West Country lots listed for sale by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson in its September auction which recorded a 91 per cent sales rate.

Auctioneer Graham Barton said: “There was fierce bidding for this extensive character building despite it being described by some as a wreck. It eventually sold for nearly £30,000 above the lower range of its freehold guide when the gavel fell.

“The sale demonstrated the continuing demand for mixed-use properties among investors almost regardless of condition as interest rates remain at rock bottom levels.”