A STAR of popular history show Time Team has been hailed as a great man by a Bucks archaeological group after he died, aged 66.

Mick Aston, a professor and resident expert on the Channel 4 show, which ended two years ago, has been praised for bringing the subject closer to the wider public.

The programme ran for 17 years from 1994.

Marlow Archaeology, a group of enthusiasts who carry out various excavations and investigations in the area, have paid tribute to the Somerset man this morning.

Prof Aston came to Marlow to meet members of the group when it launched as Marlow Archaeological Society and gave a well attended lecture.

Chairman Peter Borrows said: “He was brilliant at making archaeology more accessible to the wider public. People talk about Tony Robinson when it comes to Time Team but I think he was the star of the show.”

Mr Borrows said he was an expert at gently applying a constraining influence on some of the more daft suggestions on the television show.

He said fellow members were saddened to hear of his passing today and felt compelled to compose a tribute to him.

Mr Borrows said: “He was not only an excellent archaeologist but a very good teacher, having the ability to explain complex situations so that all could understand.

“Those of us fortunate to have met him, found an amiable character with a wicked humour. Mick did much to popularise archaeology, on television, his books, talks and encouragement to local Societies, we all owe him a great deal.

“It is to be hoped that there will be an appropriate memorial, to remind us of a great man.”

Fellow club member Doug Courtney said: “My daughter, now studying for a Masters in Archaeology at Durham University, was inspired by Mick and the Time Team gang.

“We had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, and he was such a gentleman.”

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