A DORSET auctioneer took on a new role in international diplomacy after Ethiopia demanded that a bible looted by the British more than 150 years ago be returned.

Busby of Bridport was tomorrow due to auction off a bible and set of horn beakers that were "illegally obtained" by British forces after the 1868 Battle of Magdala in the former Abyssinia.

The items were once part of the estate of Major-General William Arbuthnot CB (1838-1893) who served in the British expedition to the African nation - and are of an “immense cultural, spiritual, and historical value" to Ethiopia, the Telegraph reports.

It is understood that the Embassy of Ethiopia issued a statement to Busby's calling for the auction house to distance itself from the lots, believed to be worth around £700, by returning them to their homelands - helping to close a "painful" chapter of injustice that remains a "scar" on otherwise friendly relations with the UK.

However the Echo can now report that the auctioneer has today brokered a deal between the private owner of the items and the Ethiopian embassy, which were sold to the embassy for an undisclosed price.

The situation was resolved this morning, when an "amicable" agreement was reached between the two parties according to Busby's spokesman - with the auction house "pleased" to have played a role in the sale.

It means the items can now be returned to their homeland - helping to strengthen relations between the people of Ethiopia and the United Kingdom - which are said to be otherwise "warm and friendly."

"We are pleased to have been able to help, and both parties are happy to have resolved the situation," the Busby spokesman said.

It is understood that the bible dates from around the 18th century and belonged to the Ethiopian fortress at Magdala before being plundered by the British - a period of history that is said to represent a "great injustice" to the people of Ethiopia.

Prior to the agreement being reached between the two parties, it is reported that the Ethiopian embassy said it would be "unethical" for profit to be gained from any potential sale of the seized items.

Meanwhile, other treasures from the fort are still held by UK museums including the V&A and the British Museum, as well as at Windsor Castle, according to Afromet, the Association for the Return of the Magdala Ethiopian Treasures.