TV presenter Dan Cruickshank spoke and the cash rolled in to help restore Bridport’s former Literary and Scientific Institute.

The author and architectural expert gave a talk on Bridport’s architecture – including the Grade II-listed institute – to a packed ballroom at the Bull Hotel, Bridport.

The event raised more than £8,190 towards a restoration project likely to cost around £2.2million.

Fundraisers are now within touching distance of their £200,000 community target.

High Court rulings have given the Bridport Area Development Trust until October 2014 to sort out new community uses and funding for the Georgian building.

The building is currently on English Heritage’s ‘at risk’ register.

The sell-out evening also included supper and a charity auction, led by Guy Schwinge, partner at Dukes Auctioneers in Dorchester.

Project co-ordinator Crystal Johnson said: “People were very enthusiastic. It was a lovely evening.”

The trust, which is leading the project to restore the LSI, said Mr Cruickshank’s support was invaluable, as was Bull Hotel owners Richard and Nikki Cooper’s kindness for hosting the event.

The trust also thanked all the volunteers and helpers.

Mr Cooper said: “We were delighted to host this evening and welcome Dan Cruickshank to Bridport. “We were determined to raise a significant amount for the project from this event, but the final figure is more than we could have hoped for and really demonstrates the importance and support that the project has within the community.”