An auction of rare cars, motorcycles, cameras, watches and more has raised £3 million for cancer care in Dorset.

The collection of Robert White, went under the hammer at Bonhams and made £3million. 

Mr White died of cancer in 2015, but his collection is now set to leave a legacy for cancer patients. 

The auction lasted more than 10 hours and contained 614 items.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to build new cancer facilities at Dorset County Hospital as well as Poole Hospital, helping patients across the county. 

Dorset County Hospital has launched a campaign, backed by the Dorset Echo to raise money to provide radiotherapy services in the west of the county for the first time.

Bonhams co-chairman, Malcolm Barber, said: "Today's sale attracted bidders from all across the globe, seeing just shy of 100% sold, and £3 million achieved. As auctioneer of the sale, I'm delighted that after ten hours on the rostrum the sale has achieved such excellent results."

The collection contained hundreds of rare mechanical items, including motorcycles, cars, vintage Leica cameras, motoring mascots and wristwatches.

Leading the auction was the 1930 Bentley 4½-Litre Le Mans-style Tourer, which sold to a European bidder in the room to achieve £315,100.

Other motoring items included 1959 AC Ace-Bristol Roadster, sold for £254,620; a 1951 Vincent 998cc Series C Black Shadow motorcycle, sold for £88,900; and a 1977 MV Agusta 861cc 'Magni', sold for £69,700.

Elsewhere, a rare, handmade British watch from bespoke horologist, George Daniels, soared to more than twice its estimate, achieving £224,500 – a world record price for the model. The 35th Anniversary George Daniels watch took three years to design in conjunction with Roger Smith, and is one in an edition of just 35 ever made.

Debbie Fleming, chief executive of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We're so grateful to Robert for his immense gift, which will be of benefit to patients for years to come."

Ben Walker, Bonhams head of motorcycles and head of the auction, said: "Robert curated a fantastic collection, with beautiful items desired by collectors around the world, so it's of no surprise that the sale has done so well." 

Mr White was the founder of one of the UK's leading photographic retailers having started in business with a small camera shop in Poole, where he was born.