HOPES are high that Shane's Castle, the derelict Grade II listed building which stands at the junction of Bath Road and Dunkirk Hill, will be bought at an auction tonight.

The boarded-up building has been standing empty for a number of years.

It suffered fire damage some years ago and is now in need of extensive repair.

The guide price is £60,000.

Devizes estate agents Dreweatt Neate which is conducting the auction, says it has been inundated with inquiries from interested people. Staff have shown more than 20 people around by torchlight. The electricity supply has been cut off.

Manager Patrick Murphy said: "There has been a lot of curiosity from local people but we have also had interest from people in other parts of the country. When we have shown people around it they have been surprised by how spacious it is.

"Hopefully there will be several potential buyers bidding for it. It is such a unique property. It is one of the few historic buildings left in the town needing renovation. It would be nice if it could be renovated and modernised."

The building was constructed in 1840 and is a former toll house.

The auction is at 6.30pm tonight at the Angel Hotel, Market Place, Chippenham.