FUNDRAISING for this summer's National Eisteddfod in Newport is finally taking off, relieved organisers say.

Last month we revealed how Gwent communities were failing to raise enough money for the prestigious festival, being held in Tredegar Park, this August.

Apathy among Gwent's English speaking-population was blamed for a shortfall in cash for the local appeal fund, which makes up £225,000 of the Eisteddfod's £2.5million funding.

But since the Argus exposed the shortfall, locals have deluged the Eisteddfod office with offers of help and fundraising ideas.

Only 31% of the local appeal total was raised by December, but funding in the last month has brought the total to 35%.

Assistant organiser Sionedd Davies said: "Things have definitely got busier and the phone is constantly ringing. We have had lots of phone calls with people calling eager to help out.

"The appeal total is creeping up and a few extra events are being planned now as a result of the Argus story."

Organisers said if the full amount of the appeal total was not raised by the 16 appeal groups across Gwent, some of the festival's 'thrill' elements would have to go.

But now they are more hopeful that the overall total will be reached.

Sionedd Davies added: "We are confident that the amount will continue to rise. What we are aiming for now is to get more people on board and spread the word about the Eisteddfod.

"The message is getting across that the Eisteddfod is coming and that it is something for all the people of Gwent."

Recent events have helped boost the local appeals fund by thousands of pounds.

A Caldicot choir performance earlier this month in Beechwood, Newport, attracted 180 people and raised more than £1,000. A special fundraising evening at a Cardiff house was packed with 120 supporters and raised £2,750.

Cledwyn Bishop, vice-chairman of the Eisteddfod's finance committee, said: "In the last month there has been a steady increase in funds for the Eisteddfod. The Argus story highlighting the funding gap created an awareness in the area that the Eisteddfod is coming this year."