THE SOUND of champagne corks popping and loud cheers resounded across Newbridge last night after the Memorial Hall took a step closer to scooping to multi-million pound makeover.

Yesterday scores of jubilant supporters were at the hall to hear they had made it through to the final of the BBC2 programme Restoration.

The Argus was the official campaign newspaper for the Newbridge Memo's bid.

They beat off competition from Cardigan Castle and Llanfyllin Union Workhouse to poll more than 100,000 votes - 44 per cent of the total.

The grand final will be held on August 8 and the winner will receive £2.5m of Heritage Lottery Fund - almost the amount the Friends of Newbridge Memo need to restore the breathtaking art-deco cinema/theatre and dance hall to its former glory.

Dedicated volunteers huddled round a television to watch a pre-recorded message telling them who won.

The announcement by Restoration producer Jonathan Wilson was drowned out by the sound of whopping, cheers and tears of joy.

The Newbridge Celynen Youth Band use the Memo to rehearse. They provided the soundtrack to the celebrations and played Fanfare Pont, composed by Adrian Browning, the band's musical director.

An overwhelmed Howard Stone, the chairman of the Friends of Newbridge Memo, said: "To say I'm over the moon is an understatement. I'm probably over Venus and Mars.

"It's absolutely astronomical and we can only thank everyone who voted for us and helped us, especially the Argus."

Mr Stone said the Memo should win overall.

"I think it is one of the most worthy buildings in the competition," he said.

His vice-chairman Ernie Lewis said: "We will have stiff competition in the final but I think the other contestants will be more worried about us than we will be of them."

Islwyn MP Don Touhig said he had not been so excited since he was elected in 1995.

"It was a fantastic win but it has also brought the community together," he said.

"We would also like to thank the Argus for their backing."