Mark Dickens (left), Joanna Lumley and Simon Callow mark the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth. Pic: Tony Gay.

Mark Dickens paid tribute to iconic author Charles Dickens, his great great grandfather, beside actress Joanna Lumley and actor Simon Callow.

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The group launched a tour of the Dickens’ family graves at Highgate Cemetery on Monday, to mark the 200th anniversary of the writer’s birth.

Ms Lumley and Mr Callow performed readings from Dickens novel David Copperfield, as a visiting group looked around the graves, situated on a plot of land bought especially by Dickens for his family’s burial.

Speaking after his famous ancestor’s birthday yesterday, Mr Dickens described Monday’s ceremony as “very moving”, adding: “It was beautifully done, there was snow on the ground which made it rather Dickensian. We in the family have been absolutely amazed by the international excitement.”

Ms Lumley said: “Dickens is a giant, whenever you don’t know what to read go and get a Dickens down. He knew this cemetery too, he has walked here, that is incredible.”

Although much of Dickens’ family are buried at the cemetery in Swains Lane, he was laid to rest in the Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey.