Sandy Luck

THERE is always a tendency at an auction to have a cheeky bid at a lot you do not really need – but explaining to your partner you have bought a 55-tonne military tank may prove tricky.

Auction houses often sell antiques, family heirlooms and valuable jewellery, but one this month offers a different piece of history.

The tank belonged to farm proprietor Chris Watts until his death in July following a helicopter crash.

His sister Sandy Luck said it was a sad time for the family as a part of the Aldwick Court Farm Estate in Redhill is sold on. The estate has included a number of unusual vehicles used for off-road driving events.

She said: “Chris had a passion for all types of vehicles and a lot of the military vehicles were part of his private collection, it’s going to be hard to see them go.

“Although the farm will continue to grow crops, I want to concentrate on the new wedding venue and vineyard to secure its future for generations to come.”

The auction, which is to be held on site, starts at 11am on May 16.