A VERY special little volume written by Enid Blyton, who set many of her children's stories in Dorset, goes under the hammer at Charterhouse auction rooms in Sherborne on October 23.

"We have been selling books for many years, and in this auction with over 6,000 books there is one little volume which stands out head and shoulders above all the rest which is The Christmas Book by Enid Blyton," said auctioneer Richard Bromell.

"Although a first edition from 1944, a copy of this charming book can be worth as little as £10. However the one we have is a presentation copy signed and inscribed by Enid Blyton to Lionel J F Brimble who aided in the research of the book.”

He was a botanist, author and editor of Nature magazine, and a friend.

As a children's writer, Enid Blyton has been among the world's best selling authors since the 1930s. Many children were brought up on the Famous Five books, inspired by locations around Poole Harbour and Corfe Castle, the Secret Seven and Noddy and she enjoyed sales of more than 600 million copies.

The volume entitled The Christmas Book, being sold at auction, tells the story of a family who enjoy a traditional Christmas. In the book a lot of Christmas customs are explained such as hanging up mistletoe and holly, who Santa Claus was and why we have a Christmas tree.

Beautifully bound by Sangorski and Sutcliffe in red leather with gilt tooled decoration, it is estimated at £250-£350.

Enid discovered Dorset in 1931, holidaying with her second husband Kenneth Darrell Waters, who she married in 1943. He bought The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club in 1950 and later Sturminster Newton Farm.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for its autumn programme of auctions including jewellery, silver and watches in November, classic and vintage cars and motorcycles the same month and coins, medals, stamps, model cars and other collectors' items in December.

For more information on these sales contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse on 01935 812277 or visit the web site charterhouse-auction.com.