AROUND 200 people attended the first public meeting to discuss plans for the National Eisteddfod of Wales when it comes to Ebbw Vale in 2010.

Those who attended the meeting at Ebbw Vale leisure centre were encouraged to get involved with the event by volunteering to sit on one of the local committees, which help with its organisation.

The Eisteddfod is set to cost around £3 million and the communities of Blaenau Gwent must raise more than £300,000 locally to help fund it.

Organisers urged residents and businesses to come up with fundraising ideas ahead of the next public meeting to be held on November 8.

Speaking at the meeting, council leader Des Hillman, said: "Hosting the National Eisteddfod is a challenge but we are hopeful that with your help we can hold a special and unique Eisteddfod in the heads of the valleys."

And many people at the meeting were keen to get involved. Barbara Berry, 62, from Tredegar said: "I am learning Welsh at the moment and this gives me the extra enthusiasm to learn. I think it’s brilliant that it is coming to Blaenau Gwent."

Alun (corr) Griffiths, 64, from Rogerstone, said: "I came to the Ebbw Vale Eisteddfod in 1958, it was fantastic for the area then and I am certain this event will be even better. "

It was announced back in August that the event will be held on the former Corus site in Ebbw Vale and a maes will be created on a large area of The Works site, which is the centre of a £300 million redevelopment project.

Dafydd Whittall, president of the Eisteddfod Court, said the Eisteddfod was a great opportunity to raise the profile of Blaenau Gwent not only in Wales, but in England, Europe and the rest of the world.

Anyone wishing to volunteer is encouraged to attend a public meeting to be held on November 8 at 10.30am, the location is yet to be confirmed.