A MYSTERY Warminster man has scooped himself a festive financial boost by selling a Christmas card for a world record £22,250.

The card, one of the world's first was sold by Devizes auctioneers Henry Aldridge.

It was produced in 1843 by JC Horsley and commissioned by Bath businessman Sir Henry Cole.

Just 12 cards remain from the 1,000 produced and what is particularly significant about the card sold by Aldridges was that it was personally signed by Henry Cole.

Auctioneer Alan Aldridge said: "We had received six sealed bids for the Christmas card before the auction started and when the bidding did get under way there were seven people in the room bidding and another four bidding by telephone."

The bidding started at £4,000 and went up steadily.

A representative, who was in the room and bidding for an American collector, pulled out when the bidding got to £8,000.

At £12,000 there were two telephone bidders left and they battled it out until it was sold for £22,250.

The seller and successful bidder wish to remain anonymous, but it is believed the new owner is from London.

Mr Aldridge said: "It is a world record for a Christmas card. We estimated it would sell for between £4,000 and £6,000.

"While the bidding was going on there was a hush in the room and you could have heard a pin drop."

Mr Aldridge said: "The seller is over the moon.

"It was a very important card. It was signed by Henry Cole himself, who was from Bath, and is the world's first Christmas card."

The inscription on the card says "Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you."

Sir Henry Cole was a prominent businessman in the 1800s who modernised the British postal system and managed the construction of the Royal Albert Hall.