THE enduring appeal of Ian Fleming's suave superspy James Bond was evident yesterday when first editions of the books went under the hammer.

A 1955 copy of Moonraker was sold for £1,800 at the autumn book sale of Tennants of Leyburn.

That price was £400 below the top estimate before the sale.

However, other first editions of 007's adventures reached and even exceeded their estimates. One copy of From Russia With Love fetched £480 and another went for £400.

A first edition of Dr No generated some positive bidding, going for £440, while later books You Only Live Twice and On Her Majesty's Secret Service reached £160. A first edition of The Spy Who Loved Me went for £180.

Spokesman Phil Peppiatt said: "The older Fleming books, like Moonraker, are particularly sought after and generally the books went for good prices.

"However there weren't many members of the London trade up today and I think that's to do with the Stock Market and what's happening in the world."