EFFORTS to stave off the possibility of having to bury some of western Europe's finest Roman mosaics are gathering pace.

Some £300,000 is still needed for a new building to protect the unique mosaics at Brading Roman Villa.

Without the cash the site could be reburied as the only means of preserving the intricate works.

Trustees have already raised around £350,000 of the £625,000 needed to unlock matched funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Now they are to embark on a series of events, backed by royalty, to avert the dreaded possibility of losing the villa.

Villa spokesman Harriet Rowland said: "It would be an absolute tragedy if the unthinkable happened and the mosaics were covered over.

"We need all the help we can to raise this money as soon as possible and ensure these mosaics remain properly preserved for future generations."

The forthcoming programme of fundraising events includes a VIP reception at Osborne House on Wednesday and a visit to the villa by Prince Edward the following afternoon.

The public is invited to show its support by attending a free open day at Medina Theatre, Newport, on Sunday, May 25, where the history of the villa and Roman influence on the Island will be explained.

Phil Harding of Time Team fame will be among the speakers.

Ms Rowland said: "We are determined to raise the necessary money but at this stage we cannot do it in the time remaining to us without the support of the public.

"We have put together a programme of events and hope people will embrace our Roman heritage with the same enthusiasm that they have our dinosaur heritage."

English Heritage has been advising trustees on the preservation of the villa and its fourth century mosaics and is the body that would oversee the reburial if the cash is not found.

The villa is included on the international world monuments fund list of most endangered sites.