A HAY-ON-WYE group determined to make renovations to the town's castle has received a cash donation from a leading East Wales housebuilder.

Hay Castle Trust has been backed with £1,000 courtesy of Persimmon Homes East Wales' Community Champions scheme, which has given away over £1million since March 2015.

Persimmon's East Wales business gives away up to £2,000 to two charities each month in the region.

The Trust is in the middle of renovating the castle, while also setting up a project called Hay Memories, which plans to film members of the community talking about their memories of the town and the castle.

Mari Fforde, heritage and learning officer at Hay Castle Trust, said: "We really can't wait to set up Hay Memories, a project that Persimmon's donation will really help out with.

"As well as filming members of the community, we plan to include workshops that teach the community how to use filming equipment and successfully record interviews.

"The final films will be available online through our website and eventually as part of the completed renovation project when the castle is opened to the public.

"Persimmon's donation means a great deal to everyone at the Hay Castle Trust and we really can't thank them enough."

Victoria Williams, sales director at Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: "Donating to the Hay Castle Trust was very important to us, as the castle is an important cultural landmark in the region.

"We can't wait to see what they do with the castle, as well as their Hay Memories project which is sure to be a fascinating watch.

"Choosing our two winners each month is always a tricky task, as we get worthy applications from right across the region in the areas in which we build.

"We would encourage those that have not been chosen to try again for a chance to become our latest Community Champion beneficiary.

"We are currently building stunning new homes at our Readers Retreat development. As a company, we are committed to giving something back to the towns and cities in which we build, and this is another example of that."

Readers Retreat is a new collection two, three and four bedroom house styles, ideal for first time buyers through to families looking for more space.

For more information, visit persimmonhomes.com/readers-retreat-10676 or call 01492 553867.