Norman theme to heritage dinner

The event was all about East Sussex heritage and marked the Battle of Hastings while raising funds for another important landmark, St Nicolas church in Pevensey.

One of the organisers George Stephens, of the restoration committee for St Nicolas church, said: "It is the oldest building in Pevensey still used for the original purpose, having been built in the 13th century.

"We have a target this year which is to raise 100,000...and we are well on the way to reaching that target by the end of the year."

"The dinner was black tie, limited to 100 diners, and based on the idea that the Battle of 1066, which was key both locally and nationally as an historical moment, is not celebrated anywhere, as far as we know. So here we have got something to commemorate - we thought we should build something around it."

The evening featured medieval music by the group Extraordinaire, and a talk was given by John Shepperd about William The Conqueror's arrival on these shores.

Other organisers from the executive committee of the restoration fund were Barry Hinves, Owen Visick, and Michael Johnson.

George described the evening as "excellent" and said with "generous support" from sponsors Hastings Direct approximately 3,000 had been raised.

"Everybody was in great humour and enjoyed the occasion. And we were in suitable surrounding because the Manor Barn is itself pre-Norman,"

he said.