A PONTYPOOL businessman is supporting Pontypool Museum in its bid to combat funding cuts.

The owner of Ruck um Maul, Graham Smith, which supplies training sports equipment, is adding his support to the campaign to save Pontypool Museum - due to his fond childhood memories.

The museum has set a target of 1,000 new members to help make up the £19,000 cash shortfall in its budget and has now hit the 250 new member mark.

Mr Smith provided ten prizes for the museum’s recent rugby raffle, which was part of its fundraising efforts.

He said: “I used to go the museum as a child with St Albans School and I loved the place.

"I have fond memories of going there.

“It was a pleasure to help the museum staff as it’s important for children to have somewhere to go and learn about local history.”

Mr Smith says that he hopes other businesses will follow suit and do all that they can to help the museum.

Membership fees are £15 per year or £20 for a family. Business, institution or club fees cost £60.

Gift aiding is available and gives the trust an extra 25p from the government for every £1 donated.

Membership benefits include free entry to all exhibitions, ten per cent off selected items in the museum shop, exclusive invitations to special events and exhibitions, newsletters featuring upcoming attractions and trust news, and voting rights at the trust AGM.

Corporate members receive promotion in newsletters, on social media and on the website.

For more information call 01495 752036 or send an email to pontypoolmuseum@hotmail.com