LARGE banners have been hung over the Newbridge Memorial Hall to draw attention to the campaign to save the building.

'Vote for the Newbridge Memo' is emblazoned on the banners hanging over the hall, which has been called a "remarkable jewel".

The friends of Newbridge Memo - which has been selected for the BBC television series Restoration - put up the banners to encourage local people to vote for the hall next month.

Howard Stone, chairman of the group, said that they are very confident that the Memo can win the series and claim the prize of £3 million - which would help repair the building and bring it back to community use. "We are trying to encourage local people to vote for us and get as much exposure as we possibly can," he told the Argus.

"We also have some smaller banners to put up and we have lots of leaflets to give out as well. We are getting quite a profile."

Mr Stone added that voting is expected to take place in the week beginning July 19 and will be over two days.

"We need as many people as possible to vote for us," he said. "People can vote as many times as they want to - just keep hitting the button!"

The Newbridge Memo is an example of a miners' institute set up in the 1920s - and is considered to be the best surviving example in Wales, of an art deco cinema and theatre.