THE boss of Poole Hospital says £3m raised at an auction for cancer care in Dorset will benefit patients for years to come.

Hospital chief executive Debbie Fleming said she felt "honoured and privileged" to be part of the occasion, after a collection donated by Poole businessman Robert White - who died of cancer in 2015 - exceeded all expectations when it went under the hammer at Bonham's London auction house earlier this week.

Mrs Fleming, who attended the auction, said: "Being there in the knowledge that the proceeds would make such a huge contribution to the delivery of cancer services in Dorset was an amazing opportunity.

"I am delighted that the sale exceeded expectations and realised a truly exceptional sum that will benefit patients with cancer in Dorset for many years to come.

"Seeing the scale of Robert’s incredible personal collections really brought home quite what an extraordinary act of generosity he made, and on behalf of our patients, their families and staff, I would like to place on record our immense gratitude.

"I felt honoured and privileged to be part of this occasion - and so proud to be representing Poole Hospital's excellent services and wonderful staff."

The ten-hour auction, with 614 items, included Mr White's collection of rare cars, motorcycles, cameras, motoring mascots and watches.

Leading the auction was the 1930s Bentley 4.5litre Le Mans-style Tourer, which sold to a European bidder in the room for £315,000.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to build new cancer treatment facilities at Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, and at Poole Hospital.

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.

He has left a legacy worth an estimated £10m to Poole Hospital.