A fundraising campaign to return significant documents from 19th century literary giant Thomas Hardy back to his home county has reached its target.

The Dorset Archive Trust raised the final £5,000 needed to purchase the collection of manuscripts, described as "the most significant" yet when delving into the works of the Dorset author and poet.

After generous donations from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Friends of the National Libraries and general public, £50,000 has been raised to buy the collection from a private dealer.

The archive consists of 46 separate pieces from Hardy's own library at Max Gate near Dorchester - including books such as his schoolboy-annotated copy of Horace and his personal edition of Pouncy's.

A spokesman for the Dorset Archives Trust said: "The collection is the most significant to have been offered for sale for many years and, if acquired, will sit alongside with principal Hardy archive housed and made accessible in the Dorset History Centre."

Hardy's most notable works include 'Far from the Madding Crowd' and 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles'.

Carola Campbell, chairman of Dorset Archives Trust, said: "The trust is thrilled to have the opportunity to acquire this collection on behalf of the Dorset History Centre.

"Particularly exciting are the new insights this once hidden reassure of archival material reveals about the private thoughts and life of Thomas Hardy."

Hardy was born in a secluded hamlet near Stinsford in June 1840 - training as an architect in Dorchester before moving to London in 1862.

After marring his first wife, Emma Gifford, the couple moved back to Max Gate in Dorchester in 1885 - a house designed by hardy and his brother.

Now a grade I listed building owned by the National Trust, the novelist remained there until his death in 1928 aged 87.

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