A TORFAEN charity launched last month to discover more about Cwmbran’s history is calling for new members.

The Ancient Cwmbran Society was set up at the end of May as a result of public interest in the Ancient Cwmbran and the Cistercians Project which saw research, archaeological digs and other projects carried out to prove the town dated back to at least the Bronze Age.

Following on from the project’s success, the society was set up and has already proved a success, attracting 80 members whose first meeting is planned for next week.

But now the society is also asking others to join them and help find out more about Cwmbran’s 3,500-year heritage.

Project leader Richard Davies said: “The original project was a huge success and this will continue that work. It’s about giving people in Cwmbran a sense of pride, belonging and ownership. We are also aiming to develop tourism.”

The Ancient Cwmbran and the Cistercians Project was funded with £48,000 fromthe Heritage Lottery Fund and £24,000 from Torfaen council and ran for 18 months.

It resulted in hundreds of finds as well as a published book Warrior, Saints and Lords, school education packs and a life-sized wooden sculpture of local saint St Derfel Gadarn.

The first meeting of the Ancient Cwmbran Society will be held on June 14 at Thornhill Community Centre when arrangements will be finalised for a sevenday dig due to take place at Greenmeadow Woods from June 23 to June 29.

Anyone interested in becoming a member should call into the society’s offices at Thornhill Community Centre or visit ancientcwmbran.co.uk