History fans from as far afield as Newark, Lincoln and Cambridgeshire listened to the BBC personality who gave an informal talk on archaeology and his TV exploits for an hour before throwing the floor open for questioning.

Prof Aston – wearing his trademark striped pullover – was accompanied by fellow Time Team members Dr Maisie Taylor and Dr Francis Pryor. He was also presented with a copy of a painting by artist Ken Burton.

Father Jonathan Sibley said the evening raised more than £1,200 for the South Aisle Roof appeal, of which the three lecturers are patrons.

Father Sibley said: "Prof Aston described the church as a magnificent example of a building. He really put himself out to talk to people.

"It was a good event because it brought people together from all areas who wouldn't normally have mixed with one another.

"We would like to thank everyone who supported it."

The church urgently needs to raise around £200,000 to replace its leaking roof and in particular the lead in its south aisle roof as dripping water is starting to disfigure a medieval floral wall painting.