A campaign to save ancient mosaics in Sussex is gathering pace.

Fishbourne Roman Palace has raised £10,000 towards the £1 million it needs for a preservation programme to save the historic artefacts.

Crime writer Lindsey Davis, who created the Roman detective series featuring the character Marcus Didius Falco, unveiled the first section of a totaliser board for the Million Pound Mosaic Appeal.

Lindsey was at the palace for a literary evening with fellow crime writers Peter Lovesey, Deryn Lake and Simon Brett which raised more than £1,200.

Lindsey was also presented with honorary life membership of the Sussex Archaeological Society, which owns Fishbourne Roman Palace.

The palace was discovered by accident in 1960 and the land purchased by Ivan Margary, who presented it to the Sussex Archaeological Society. The north wing was enclosed in a large timber building and opened to the public in 1968 but now the building is deteriorating, putting more than 20 mosaics at risk.

It will cost more than £4 million to refurbish the building.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is in the process of considering a further grant for £2.5 million, the Sussex Archaeological Society has confirmed a contribution of £200,000, Chichester District Council is considering a significant grant and trusts and foundations have contributed a total of £150,000.

Anyone who wants to help can log on to www.sussexpast. co.uk/appeal, ring 01243 785859 or send a cheque, made payable to Sussex Archaeological Society, to Million Pound Mosaic, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Salthill Road, Fishbourne, Chichester, PO19 3QR.