Pattinson Auction has now recruited over 500 parter agents as it expands nationally.

The north-east firm was named the fastest growing auction house in the UK last year, by Essential Information Group.

The total value of its sales were up by 62% compared with 2016, with an average success rate of 72.4% nationally.

The firm says it has honed its white label offering to agents, and is seeing the type of lot that used to be more associated with private treaty than an auction.

Director Justin Beckwith said: “There is a growing interest in auction as a whole and we have refined the process.

“With more and more sellers opting to go to auction, we have been seeing a shift in the type of properties that are up for sale.

“Now a buyer can find a ready-to-move-into family home at the auction house. This is why providing an auction service is a fundamental part of any estate agency business.”