A FARMER whose family have worked land at Farndale for more than a century is putting four generations worth of machinery under the hammer.

John Weldon is selling more than 150 separate items, his only regret being that his father is not alive to see them auctioned off.

"We were going to hold the auction last year but we cancelled it because of the foot and mouth crisis," said the 49-year-old.

"My father died of cancer last Christmas which is a shame because he'd have liked to have seen it all go."

The machinery, which is set to attract interest from specialist collectors, has been collected over the course of the last century.

Nine tractors from a range of eras, several old-fashioned ploughs and an open crank oil engine are just a few of the items up for grabs.

One of the most interesting items is a mechanical crusher - from the days when cattle feed came in a solid cake and had to be broken up.

Together they are set to offer viewers an insight into the history of farming in the 20th century.

"They've always been lying around the farm, we just thought it was time to get rid of them for no other reason than the farm needs a good clear-out," he said.

"I don't know why they were never put to scrap or sold on, we just kept them."

Some of the older machinery was bought by Mr Weldon's grandfather and great-grandfather.

"Some of it has been at the farm since they ran it, so it's very old," he said.

Along with old farm machinery the auction promises to contain a few surprises.

"We'll also be selling off some ornamental garden furniture.

"I'm due to take some sheep to market soon so I've decided to put some of them in the auction. It'll be interesting to see what it all fetches."

The auction takes place on Saturday September 7. Viewing starts at 9am with bidding commencing at 11.30am.

The sale is at the family farm at Esk House, Farndale, reached from Church House. Agents are Chris Clubley of Market Weighton on (01430) 874000.

Updated: 10:22 Wednesday, September 04, 2002