A car garage and MOT centre have been sold at auction for almost double the guide price.

Cherry Tree Works in Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne went under the hammer for almost half a million pounds following a highly contested bidding war.

Land and property auctioneer Clive Emson had guided buyers to pay £250,000-plus for the former Discount Tyres yard.

But at an auction on Wednesday the premises were sold for £454,000 after 114 bids.

However, it is unknown who has bought the site.

The 0.15-acre site has a detached office/reception area, workshop and yard to the front with six parking bays.

Vehicular access can be found in the form of three roller shutter doors with the furthest right-hand door giving access to the MOT bay with an inspection pit while the furthest left roller shutter door gives access to an area with a two-post lift and four-post lift.

Jon Rimmer, auction appraiser, said: “This was a fine investment opportunity.

“It attracted a variety of potential bidders, including those who wanted to run their own business – and it has everything that person needs.

“Others had different plans and all saw potential in the lot.”