Star drums up support for Lido

The Top Gear presenter was the star attraction at a charity fundraiser for Chipping Norton's much-loved Lido.

The star wielded the gavel to squeeze thousands of pounds from people's pockets at an auction of promises, before being handed a set of drumsticks for an impromptu rendition of the theme tune from vintage television show Hawaii-5-0, alongside the Chipping Norton School band The Allstars.

The auction and drum performance raised £18,500.

It was the fifth year running Mr Clarkson, who lives in Chipping Norton, has been the auctioneer.

Chipping Norton School music teacher Nathan Jones, said his pupils had been itching for chance to play with the presenter after seeing him play drums on television last year.

He added: "We were wondering all night how we could get him to play. Then, after the auction, our singer Chris Hill got on the microphone and asked Mr Clarkson to drum with us.

"Mr Clarkson looked a bit bewildered, but he agreed.

"He said 'I'm not very good' but he sat at the drum kit and started playing.

"It was fantastic. He stuck with us throughout, and in the middle of the song did a drum solo. He played it, and was back in time with us when it finished."

He added: "I am surprised he did it. He'd brought his daughters along, it was a bit late and everyone was tired.

"He didn't have to do it. We were really chuffed he did."

Mr Clarkson ended by signing a drum.

There were 85 lots at the auction which took place in Fox Close, Chipping Norton, earlier this month.

They included driving an Aston Martin, a cookery class with Pru Leith and tickets to the Cropredy Festival.

Chipping Norton Lido was threatened with closure several years ago when West Oxfordshire District Council withdrew funding. It is now run by an independent charity and kept open by donations and fundraising.

Claire Jarvis, trustee of Chipping Norton Lido, said: "I am delighted he came and gave his support - and that he had a good time."