It was standing room only at a Diss auction house today as eager historians bid for hundreds of military items such as war medals, pistols, swords and uniforms.

More than 700 lots went under the hammer at TW Gaze in an auction which began at 10am and did not finish until 3.30pm.

Auctioneer and valuer Edward Taxil-Webber said the sale had been 'very successful' and the room had remained full throughout the five and half hours of bidding.

'We had a very eager audience. There were people from many different backgrounds bidding for the items. We held the crowd from beginning to end and had a very successful day,' he said.

'We used to have a military sale mixed within the antique sales, but this is the first time we have managed to have a full room dedicated to militaria.'

The star attraction was a distinguished flying cross medal group which went for �2,400.

The auction also boasted a selection of German military items, including world war two Nazi flags and copies of Mein Kampf.

Officials at TW Gaze had wondered whether the pieces would divide opinion among the crowds, but Mr Taxil-Webber said the lots had performed 'very well' overall.

'German militaria is very much of interest at the moment. Because it is so widely faked around Europe, when genuine pieces do come in they trigger a huge amount of interest,' he added.

Although Mr Taxil-Webber was not able to disclose how much had been paid for the lots in total, he said vendors would be happy with the result.

'It was great fun. Every day is a learning opportunity and when you set up a sale you're giving other people a chance to learn about and handle historic artefacts,' he said.

'It's almost like a museum which you can purchase things from.'

TW Gaze hopes to hold another military sale in the new year.