Charles Dickens' desk up for auction

LONDON, June 4 (UPI) -- A writing desk and chair that once belonged to British literary giant Charles Dickens is to be auctioned in London to benefit Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The BBC said the 19th century writer's furniture was donated by a relative and is estimated to be worth about $160,000.

Dickens is believed to have used the chair and desk when he penned some of his later works, such as "Great Expectations," at his home in Higham, Kent.

The sale of the items is to fund new building works and equipment for the children's hospital.

"Charles Dickens was a champion of the poor and needy and an enthusiastic patron of Great Ormond Street Hospital in its early days," Christopher Charles Dickens' widow, Jeanne-Marie, told the BBC. "I felt that it was Charles's wish and it is an honor for me to fulfill this wish."