THE fundraising challenge facing campaigners to save Colchester's Roman circus might initially seem a tall order.

But the bid has already attracted hundreds of thousands of pounds of potential investment.

The plan is to house the heritage centre on the ground floor of half of the Victorian sergeants’ mess building, near the new Quadriga homes development off Circular Road.

Colchester Archaeological Trust hopes to get a mortgage and relocation grant to set up its own offices on the second floor, above the visitor attraction.

The other part of the building would be sold to two private investors who have expressed a strong interest in converting it into flats. Because of this, if all went according to plan, the appeal would only need £200,000 in donations to meet the overall price tag – and £76,000 of that has already been pledged.

If they reach their target, the campaigners hope the pledged money can be used as a deposit to secure the building until the cash from the archaeological trust and investors comes through.

Anyone who wants to pledge funds will not be required to hand it over unless enough is raised for the overall scheme to go ahead.

But donors must be certain they can produce the amount they have committed when asked for it by the appeal.

To make a pledge, call 07891 234274, e-mail isobelmerry@hotmail.com or visit the appeal website, www.romancircus.org