A CELEBRITY antiques expert and popular TV personality helped raise more than £2,000 towards the restoration of an unusual baroque Worcestershire church.

Henry Sandon gave a talk to a packed Great Witley Village Hall to draw in the crowds and raise £2,025 for Great Witley Church Restoration Fund.

The Antiques Roadshow presenter had very kindly agreed to speak about his favourite subject - porcelain and pottery – at the hall on Friday, September 26. The room was at capacity as 140 people enjoyed the captivating talk. The campaign to restore the church has already raised around £100,000 but there is still a way to go to reach the £350,000 target.

Angela Snow, a fundraiser and campaign administrator for the church, said: "The audience was kept enthralled by Henry’s anecdotes and knowledge of his subject. He later spent time going through all the precious heirlooms that visitors had brought for his examination. Pride of place went to a Sèvres cup and saucer which, had it been in perfect condition, would have been worth thousands of pounds but unfortunately the damage to it meant it was now only worth a few hundred.

"During the interval wine was accompanied by delicious canapés provided by the Garden Tearooms. The church warden, Rick Warner, also spoke of the intention to set up a ‘Friends of Great Witley Church’ to help raise funds for this fabulous Baroque Masterpiece hidden away in the countryside."

Current restoration plans include the complete replacement of the roof covering, exterior glazing to the priceless enamel painted windows, and cleaning of the 18th century Rysbrack monument to the First Lord Foley.

The completed church was consecrated in 1735 and is known for its impressive ceiling paintings, font, mosaic panels and the elaborate Foley monument. Mrs Snow describes the church as 'the Sistine Chapel of Worcestershire'.