CAMPAIGNERS battling to save an important part of Newbridge's heritage are calling upon the town's wealthiest son for backing.

Howard Stone, chairman of Friends of the Newbridge Memo, has urged Wales' richest man, multi-millionaire Sir Terry Matthews, to support restoration of the town's Memorial Hall and Celynen Collieries Institute.

The group was established in April 2003 following a public outcry about how dilapidated both venues had become.

Mr Stone said: "It would be very nice to have Sir Terry on our side. He is the first name mentioned when we tell people about our fundraising efforts because he is a Newbridge boy.

"If not for money, it would be great to have Sir Terry's moral support behind the project."

The group must raise an estimated £3m to repair and decorate the Institute and Memorial Hall.

In particular, it wants to re-open the well-preserved art-deco cinema on the top floor of the hall.

Mr Stone said: "It is important for people to realise this is not a museum or a mausoleum, but a memorial hall.

This last 12 months has been hard work, but it is exciting and it makes you feel you have to go on with it.

"Hopefully the local people will pick up the gauntlet and run with it." Caerphilly county borough council has also given its support. Cllr John Taylor, cabinet member for transportation and planning, said: "We will give whatever assistance and help we can to the Friends of the Memo."

Islwyn MP Don Touhig, who has been involved with the Friends of Newbridge Memo from the outset, said: "The important message is to get across to people that they need to use the facilities here.

"There will be no hope of getting money from the Assembly, the council or anybody else if it is not going to be used.

"I would like to pay tribute to the Friends of Newbridge Memo, without whom none of this would have happened."