DEVELOPERS behind plans to build a monument that will celebrate Welsh history and culture are launching an appeal to help fund it.
The One Pound Plus Appeal is looking for Welsh people from all over the world to donate £1 or more, which will be used to build the iconic £8 million Dragon Tower at Chirk.
With no public funding, the international campaign is vital if the build is to go ahead.
The tower, which is being called Wales' answer to the Statue of Liberty will have a culture and tourism centre, with all visitor revenue going to the Frank Wingett Cancer Appeal. Its centrepiece will be a 75ft high bronze dragon statue, with a 160ft wingspan and a viewing area overlooking the English/Welsh border.
It is hoped that the attraction, which includes an art gallery, 100-seat cafe bar, 125-seat restaurant and language study area, will be a huge boost to tourism in the area.
Project chairman, Simon Wingett said: "Through this appeal, sponsorship and charitable donations we are confident that the money can be raised to fund the building of the Dragon Tower.
"We will also make sure that there will be both an online roll call and a plaque at the Tower which will include all the names of those who donate so that the generations to come can see who helped."
The appeal has its official launch at an event at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel in Wrexham tomorrow, Wednesday, but people can already donate money through the project's website www.thewelshdragon.co.uk or over the phone on 0845 371 2422.
A planning application for the project was put in last July and is currently at the public consultation stage, with a Planning Committee decision expected on November 2.