The government has put a temporary export ban on a study table formerly owned by Charles Dickens in a bid to keep it in the UK.

The William IV mahogany piece, which is valued at £67,600, was used by the author in the library at Gad’s Hill Place in Higham, where he died in 1870.

However, it was destined to be sold abroad after its private owner put the item on sale less than a year after buying it - and struggled to find any British interest.

It prompted action from the government and Michael Ellis, the minister for arts, heritage and tourism, has placed a temporary export bar on it being moved.

Estimated to have been made in London in 1835, the round table has a revolving drum top above eight drawers and is covered in green leather.

It was used by Dickens during most of his career – first in his London home at Devonshire Terrace; then his offices on Wellington Street before following him to his home in Higham.

It is also known to have contained the keys to his wine cellar and appears to be one of the very first objects to have been formally labelled with Dickens’ name, with one drawer containing an oval silver plaque stating that the table stood in his library.

Experts believe the table was bequeathed to Dickens’ eldest son, also named Charles, before it was acquired by his younger brother Sir Henry Fielding Dickens at the sale of Gad’s Hill Place in 1878.

It remained in the possession of Dickens’ descendants until it was sold at auction in December 2017.

Mr Ellis said: “As one of Britain’s most famous novelists, it is only right for there to be great expectations on us to protect Dickens’ study table for the benefit of the nation.

“This substantial piece of furniture was a central feature in whatever household he lived in through most of his adult life.

"It is another significant item related to one of Britain’s cultural icons."

The decision to defer the export licence follows a recommendation by an Arts Council committee on the grounds that its departure from the UK would be a misfortune due to its close connection with he nation's history.

Committee member Christopher Rowell said: “Dickens' art criticism as well as his descriptive writing reveal his aesthetic sensibility and this elegant, if workmanlike, leather-covered mahogany library table was clearly valued by him.

"Its associations are of considerable interest to lovers of Dickens’ novels and writings."

The decision on the export licence application for the William IV mahogany table will be deferred until October.

This may be extended until January if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made.

Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the table should phone 0845 300 6200.