TWO young entrepreneurs have been praised for organising a massive machinery sale which will provide a boost for the local economy.

David Sunderland, 24, of Stonyhurst, and Neil Holden, 23, of Knowle Green, were due to sell off agricultural and construction machinery at Gisburn Auction Mart today.

It will be the biggest of its kind ever held in East Lancashire, with hundreds of visitors expected, and has attracted interest from Holland and Ireland.

And it has been hailed as another shot in the arm for an area devastated by foot and mouth last year, with proceeds expected to top £750,000.

The pair, who trade under the name Gateway Auctions, said Gisburn Auction Mart was the perfect site for the sale and, if successful, similar events would be held there every six weeks.

Entries for the sale have come from a wide range of sources, including major plant hire and leasing companies, machine importers and local contractors.

David Sunderland said: "There aren't any frequent auction sales of this kind in the North West and both buyers and sellers often have to go overseas to meet with their requirements. Prospective buyers are travelling from Holland and Ireland, and the level of interest has far exceeded our expectations."

David and Neil claim extensive knowledge of hosting auction and tender sales, technical specifications and the market value of machinery.

David added: "There is a considerable amount of construction work being carried out in the North West and the event will generate income for the auction mart, which we have hired, and local hoteliers from prospective buyers staying in the area."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said the sale would be a shot in the arm for the area, which was still recovering from the devastation of foot and mouth.

"I hope the event is a great success and it's fabulous that two young entrepreneurs have driven an event of this scale forward. It will certainly help the area get back on its feet."

Foot and mouth affected 37 farms in East Lancashire, most of them in the Ribble Valley, and led to the cull of thousands of animals.

Tourism virtually dried up after the blanket closure of the area's footpaths, and a huge question mark hung over the future of the auction marts at Gisburn and Clitheroe.

Clitheroe Auction Mart has picked itself up by holding weekly farmers' markets, which are attracting shoppers from throughout the North West looking to buy quality goods direct from producers.