A unique section of an island has been sold at auction... for twice the guide price.

The plot on Binnewith Island in Canterbury city centre sold for £168,000 at Clive Emson auctions, after it had a guide price of between £80-£85,000.

It is the second time the wooded land - surrounded on three sides by water- has come under the hammer in just over a year.

It sold at auction to a private bidder for £145,000 early in 2013.

Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said the owners had had a change of heart about the property.

The plot comprised roughly half of an island which is flanked by spurs of the river, between Stour Street and Greyfriars Garden.

Dense foliage and woodland cover the 0.2 hectare site surrounding two dilapidated sheds.

It is accessed by a nondescript gate off the public footpath which runs across the island to connect the street with the public garden beyond.

In March last year the land attracted “phenomenal” interest when it was offered with a £50-£60,000 guide at auction.

A bidding war broke out with the current owners eventually agreeing a £145,000 price tag.

Mr Gilbert said: “The price reflected the interest. It’s truly a unique site.”

Any potential uses of the plot would require all the necessary consents, Mr Gilbert said.

“If you could get planning permission for a residential dwelling, boy oh boy, wouldn’t that be a fantastic place?” he said.

The Greyfriars chapel, which spans the river, is all that remains of a series of buildings which included a large stone friary built between 1276 and 1325.

They were built by the Grey Friars Franciscan order but were largely demolished following the dissolution of the monasteries.