Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has welcomed news that Gwrych Castle has been bought by a trust that has been trying to preserve it for decades.

Gwrych Castle near Abergele was due to be auctioned off in Manchester last Thursday, but its listing was withdrawn on the eve of the sale.

The Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust was able to buy the Grade I-listed building after receiving two grants.

The castle was listed with a £600,000 guide price.

The UK government-funded National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) stepped in with a grant of £600,00, and in addition, it received a further grant from the Richard Broyd Charitable Trust.

Darren, a long-time supporter of Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust have been able to purchase the castle. Chair of the Trust Mark Baker, along with volunteers, has worked tirelessly since he was a young boy to save the castle. In 1997, when he was just 12 years old, he set up the Trust in a bid to seek a long term solution for the castle and grounds. Since that time the Trust has gone from strength to strength, and now has over 150 volunteers and more than 500 members.

“The Trust’s dedication to the preservation of the castle must be applauded and I am so pleased that all their hard work and perseverance has paid off.    

“Now the Trust are the owners of this historical landmark, they will set out plans to renovate the castle and the 250 acres of park and woodland.

“I wish them every success in this exciting new chapter and look forward to returning  to the castle in the future to see what they have achieved.”  

The castle and grounds are currently open daily for visitors but sections of the main building are closed due to its derelict state.

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