A Victorian Christmas card, one of the first sent in Britain, has sold for a record �22,500 at auction.

The 1843 print was expected to fetch up to �12,000 at the sale in Devizes, Wiltshire, on 24 November.

After attracting bids from collectors in Britain and America, it eventually sold for the record-breaking price.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge, of Henry Aldridge and Son, said: "The price just kept going higher.

Anonymous bidder

"We were slightly shocked with the result, but it is a unique piece."

The card was bought via an agent for a British bidder who wants to remain anonymous.

Until Saturday's sale, the highest price paid for a card at auction was �14,000 for a Titanic postcard at a Sotheby's sale.

The Christmas card was commissioned by an influential entrepreneur, Sir Henry Cole, who is credited with devising the concept of sending greetings cards at Christmas time.

One thousand were lithographed, and of those just a dozen are known to have survived.

The auctioned card was especially sought after because it was sent by Sir Henry to his grandmother and aunt, and signed by the great Victorian.