CROWDS of specialist buyers and vintage clothes enthusiasts packed out Duke's Auction House for a special one-off sale.

The collection included top designers such as Gucci, Ossie Clarke, Mary Quant and Chanel and also included clothes worn by West End stars such as Sarah Brightman and Paul Nicholas.

Valuer for Duke's auctioneers in Dorchester Deborah Doyle described the atmosphere at the vintage sale as "electric".

She added: "It is a fabulous collection. There were lots of people in the audience which included everyone from a buyer from the English National Opera House and a buyer who buys for the stars in London.

"Vintage fashion is still very popular and these auctions are one way of being able to afford a really nice designer outfit at a fraction of the cost of buying one new."

Bidders trawled through rails and rails of clothing looking for the perfect bargain in collections of wedding dresses, shoes, evening gowns, hats and military uniforms.

One of the top items on sale was a full-length evening gown in gunmetal grey taffeta, which was worn by a guest at Prince Phillip's 70th birthday party.

There was also a pair of 18th century satin shoes and old police uniforms.

The largest collection was from a private collector from Weston-super-Mare who supplied clothing to many West End stars and musicals.

Gary Batt, auctioneer and partner at Duke's, said: "It was nice to look out into the crowd and see such a different audience.

"Vintage clothing is very, very sought- after these days and although most of the items went for about £50 to £100 one lot of lace went for £900."