THE sandals of First World War hero Lawrence of Arabia have been sold at auction.

Part of a collection of items associated with Thomas Edward Lawrence, including a copy of his book Seven Pillars Of Wisdom which was given to family friend Rodney Havelock Walker, the sandals were stored in a Waitrose carrier bag for safekeeping.

Altogether the collection was sold for £2,600 at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire.

Lawrence, who made his name as a spy, explorer, soldier and diplomat aiding the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, is believed to have clocked up quite a few miles in the well-worn shoes.

Auctioneer and antiquities expert Charles Hanson said: "We understand the sandals were worn by the great man himself.

"Though in a delicate condition, they are remarkable survivors from almost a century ago.

"They must have faced rocky and sandy terrain and may be war-weary."

Lawrence's exploits were dramatised in the 1962 Oscar-winning epic starring Peter O'Toole, regarded by many as one of the greatest films of all time.

Born in Wales in 1888, he was an archaeologist before becoming a soldier and extensively toured sites in Arabia, learning Arabic and making contacts across the region.

After his exploits in the war, Lawrence joined the Royal Tank Corps, based at Bovington Camp, under an assumed name.

He lived at the nearby cottage, Clouds Hill, which is now maintained by the National Trust, and was a frequent visitor to Wareham.

He died following a crash on his motorbike near Bovington in May 1935.

Clouds Hill is currently closed to the public due to maintenance and not due to reopen until March 1.

It contains many of the hero's possessions including a custom gramophone, books and reading chair and even a sleeping bag.