A snuff box owned by Charles Dickens has been sold for £8,500 at auction.

The engraved silver box, made in Birmingham in 1836, was a gift to the 19th century author from his former schoolmaster in Kent.

It was sold by Philip Serrell Auctioneers and Valuers in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Author Dickens lived in several homes in Kent, including Higham, Chatham and Thanet.