A packed town hall of lido lovers helped Jeremy Clarkson raise more than £13,500 for the community-run outdoor pool.

Ably supported by Clarkson's Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper Mr Clarkson was auctioneer offering up exciting lots to raise cash for Chipping Norton lido from a year's supply of sweets to a Mini convertible experience and a dog and owner swim at the pool.

Kaleb's promise of a personal tractor lesson in Jeremy’s Lamborghini tractor was the highest ticket of the night.

Chippy neighbour Blur bassist-turned-cheesemaker Alex James donated a Blue Monday Cheese plus tickets to his music and foodie festival The Big Feastival this summer.

The popular 25-metre heated pool opened in 1970 and was revamped in 2014/15 through fundraising and a £60,000 Sport England grant.

It  was taken on by the community after the district council withdrew its funding in 2003 and has been run as a charity since 2004.

It receives no public funding other than its town council grant.

Auction organisers said: "It’s only through events like this one that it can continue to expand its offering and to survive the current energy crisis."

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Mr Clarkson's co-host was former trustee of the lido Ken Norman.

Meanwhile a swimming chef achieved the remarkable feat of swimming 10km to raise over £2,000 for the pool.

Chef Nathan Phelps from Whistlers restaurant completed 6.2 miles without stopping.

He was not even a recreational swimmer before taking on the challenge.

"Not at all," he said.

"I learned from You Tube videos to get the technique. I started to get really stuck in."

"Their energy costs are becoming ridiculous and of course they are closed for half the year and weather-dependent. Like everyone else, they need the funding."