A bid to preserve a piece of Colchester Roman history has won support across all ages - and from across the country.

A consortium is trying to buy the Victorian Sergeants Mess building on the former Cavalry barracks - and the gardens under which lie the starting gates of Britain's only discovered chariot racing circus.

And after just four weeks, the appeal total now stands at more than £76,000 - with more money still coming in.

Now an appeal has been made to keep the momentum going to secure the site of the Roman circus for posterity.

Support has come from across the age spectrum with talks being given to schoolchildren about the project and history lovers Margaret and Allan Berry celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary by donating £1,000 to the appeal in lieu of presents.

Ms Merry said the Facebook site had received support from across the country and a donation had been received from a former Colchester schoolgirl now living in Fife in Scotland.

A major donation of £5,000 has also been received from the group Colchester2020.