ALMOST 1.5 acres of land in a West Devon village have gone under the auctioneer's hammer for £265,000.

The plot, including the former Blackdown Garage and bungalow in the heart of Mary Tavy, was among 15 lots auctioned by Clive Emson land and property auctioneers at The Legacy Plymouth International Hotel. Auctioneer Graham Barton said: 'As anticipated, there was a lot of interest in this site, which includes a two-bedroom bungalow, workshop space and land extending to 1.43 acres, with the prospect of welcome employment relating to any building scheme.

'We've seen other residential development sites in our other auctions, across the south coast, sell in the room last week, perhaps indicating that developers are starting to dip their toes in the water again on infill land at sensible prices.'