Campaigners working to save and restore a forest have praised the South Wales Argus for helping to raise £100,000 towards the project.

Around 35 supporters, including Argus editor Gerry Keighley, cracked open bottles of bubbly to celebrate the success.

Sue Holden, chief executive of the Woodland Trust, thanked the newspaper for its support.

"The Argus played a massive part in its success. It helped get local people interested, with 1,000 donating cash," she said.

"Without its support we wouldn't have done so well."

The Argus launched an appeal in June to raise the money in public pledges as part of a campaign to bring in £1.5m to acquire and restore Wales's largest ancient woodland.

Gerry said: "I am really pleased that we have been so successful in saving something so special for the local people and future generations.”

The Woodland Trust's offer to buy the 870-acre site was accepted by the vendors at the end of July, and the trust is hoping to exchange contracts for the sale of the land within the next few days to secure the site.

Public pledges are crucial because they will unlock a further £650,000 in Government grants and funding.

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