A HOUSING developer has donated £1,000 to help set-up a project recording resident's memories of a border town.

Hay Castle Trust has been given the money by Persimmon Homes as part of their community champions scheme.

The Trust is currently working on a £5.4 million renovation to open the derelict castle to the public

This will include work on the Medieval keep and gatehouse, the mansion house, Victorian coach house and outbuildings.

Once complete the ruins will be opened to the public for the first time in 800 years.

Alongside the renovation work the Trust is 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 kind 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 that donating to the Hay Castle Trust was important to them due to it being an important cultural landmark in the region.

“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," she said.

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