AN 'immaculate' vase from China attracted a host of bidders at a Dorset auction - before it went under the hammer for more than £3,000.

The large 1920s Meiji-period vase went on sale at South Dorsetshire Auctions in Wareham on Sunday, April 16.

It attracted a number of bidders including many from China, who pushed the final price to a whopping £3,300 at the specialist ceramic auction. 

Auctioneer Mark Croucher said that the winning bid had comfortably exceeded pre-sale estimates after a bidding war between two buyers in China and the UK, with the latter ultimately coming out on top. 

"It was an immaculate and very large famille verte floor standing vase with dynamic colours and decorated with goldfish to the inside - truly exceptional for its age," he said.

"The winning bidder is very pleased with their purchase and it has already begun its long journey back to China."

South Dorsetshire Auctions holds regular auctions every other Sunday from its warehouse in John's Road, Wareham.