This year, Newport-based Monmouthshire Building Society hits a major financial milestone – one billion pounds in assets.

To mark this momentous occasion, they will be giving back to the wider local community through some unique and exciting funding projects.

The first stage of celebrations for reaching this landmark financial position involves the commercial sponsorship of Newport Gwent Dragons’ large digital screen at Rodney Parade stadium.

To coincide with the first home game on September 12, the screen will be used for the first time with original animations which were created in collaboration with the Dragons and a Cardiff-based design team.

The humorous animations not only feature the society’s squirrel mascot, but also Rodney the dragon, the Dragons’ mascot who is proudly wearing the new season’s kit.

To complement the society’s sponsorship deal, a kicking competition will also launch during half-time of the first home game, with contestants pulled from the crowd during every match. All participants will receive a cash prize courtesy of the society with funds deposited into a savings account, and winners will be invited back for the kick-off grand finale at the end of the season where they will have a chance to win a larger prize.

Chief Executive, Andrew Lewis, commented: “The Society has experienced another exceptional year of business and growth, despite ongoing challenges to the wider financial industry. The achievement of a billion pounds of assets is something we intend to celebrate through a series of community-focused projects, and we’re thrilled to strengthen our relationship with the Dragons with the sponsorship of the scoreboard and the half-time kicking competition.

“I’d like to extend our appreciation to all of our members who are helping the society make its way towards this landmark financial position, and hope as many people as possible are able to come along to support the Dragons and enjoy our comical scoreboard animations.”

Pete Grzonka, the Dragons’ new commercial director, said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with MBS and look forward to seeing the animations on the day of our first match.

“This is my first season at Rodney Parade Stadium, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and create new ones with strong corporate partners from the Dragons region and beyond. The kicking competition serves to bring an element of fun participation to the usual proceedings and I’d encourage all our supporters to come along and support their region and to put their best foot forward with the half time kick off.”