An estate agent has secured the highest ever sale price for a property in Welwyn, Hertfordshire after finding a buyer for mock Tudor mansion, according to reports.

Martin Bishop, of mid-to-high end estate agency Bryan Bishop and Partners, told the Welwyn & Hatfield Times that the property, called the Derings, had been snapped up for slightly less than £3 million by someone already living in the village.

He said that the deal had "made" his Christmas but admitted he was not expecting someone local to buy the house.

"I am surprised that it is someone from Welwyn as I thought it would appeal to Londoners looking for a country retreat.

"It''s great that someone local has got it as the previous owner was local.

"It''s a great sale and shows that there is still money coming into the business."

Although based locally, the buyer viewed a video of the property before purchasing it, something that is growing increasingly popular among people looking for a new home.

Earlier this month, the Times reported that a number of estate agents are using videos to help promote the properties on their books, including well known firms such as Knight Frank and Chesterton.