Campaigners trying to save the historic castle which staged the first Welsh eisteddfod say they are hopeful it will be in public ownership by the end of the year.

Ceredigion council is now finalising its plans to buy the 12th Century Cardigan castle after it used its legal powers to force a sale under a compulsory purchase order (CPO).

Major restoration work will be needed

The council has so far failed to come to terms with the elderly owner of the property which was advertised with a price tag of �1.25m.

An independent valuation estimated the castle ruins as being worth "substantially less" than the asking price.

Restoration of the castle, which was built in 1176, is expected to cost several million pounds, but planners say it will boost the local economy.

The castle's owner, Barbara Woods, now lives in a nursing home, but has so far failed to find a buyer.

The council says it still wants to buy the property by private agreement with its owner - but will force Miss Woods to sell if necessary.

"A lot of funding issues need to be sorted out but we will be in a position to invoke the CPO by the end of the year," said Tim Ball from the council.

"If there is an objection then we will have to go to a public inquiry where we will defend our position.

"I hope it doesn't have to come to that."

The overgrown two acre site is made up of a derelict mansion, cottage and stable block - all of which are Grade I or Grade II listed historic buildings.

Final phase

Glen Johnson, who has led the campaign to save the castle which was home to the first Eisteddfod says a lot of public money would be wasted by a public enquiry.

He said: "There is a legal right for the owner to appeal but it will just mean the castle deteriorating over another winter which will cost the local authority more money in the long run.

"It has been a long time since we started shouting about it and the council has moved quite swiftly on it recently.

"We are coming to the end of an 18-year campaign and it has put paid to fears that the history of Cardigan castle would end with the present generation."