Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar has commended the hard work and dedication of members of Gwrych Castle Trust as they prepare to mark their 20th anniversary.

The Trust was founded by Mark Baker in 1997, when he was just 12 years old, in a bid to seek a long term solution for the castle and grounds.

Twenty years on, Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust has a 25-year lease for five acres of the site which has enabled it to begin restoration of the first section of the castle with the Countess's Writing Room in the Gardener’s Tower being used regularly for writing groups. The formal gardens are also regularly opened and were included in the Gardens North Wales Festival (www.gardensnorthwales.co.uk).

Darren said:

“I would very much like to congratulate the Trust for their hard work and dedication to Gwrych Castle over the past 20 years, and particularly Mark Baker who as a 12 year old boy was saddened to watch the decline of the castle, but instead of sitting back and doing nothing set about doing all her could to save it.

“Over the years I have watched the Trust go from strength to strength and would like to thank the amazing team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to restore, renovate and revive the castle to ensure that it is once again a landmark that the people of North Wales can be extremely proud of.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, the Trust are holding a series of events at the castle:

19th and 20th August – a Medieval Festival

16th and 17th September – the first International Drone Competition which has attracted competitors from all over the world

1st October – A family fun dog show

Halloween – a whole series of events (check website nearer the time for more details)

December – the return of Father Christmas plus a Victorian Christmas Fayre

New Year’s Eve – another amazing party with fireworks

To keep up with everything that is going on at Gwrych Castle follow its website www.gwrychtrust.co.uk and join its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gwrychcastle