Charity runners could be the first members of the public across the Newtown bypass at an event is set to mark the road's opening this year.

Developers Alun Griffiths Contractors met with Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Russell George and local charities earlier this year and have now agreed to stage a number of charity runs along the route of the new bypass before it opens to the public early in the New Year, starting in October.

Responding to the news, Mr George said it was a "fantastic idea", after he had received a number of suggestions about it from the public.

"One of my constituents, Sian Knowles, who runs with various groups contacted me with the suggestion, and I in turn raised the ideas with the Welsh Government's Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, who responded positively to the idea.

"The scheme developers, Alun Griffiths Contractors, had said they were always keen to hold such an event, and have worked hard to pull this together.

"It is a great opportunity to eventually mark the completion of the project and declare it open while raising money for local good causes.

"The development of the bypass could also encourage other local walking, running and cycle routes to be established in the area, I’m very much looking forward to competing in the event myself, but need to step up training for it."

The 6.5km bypass, which is due for completion in May 2019, will see eleven new bridges opened along the route as well as five new roundabouts built into the scheme designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Newtown.

The existing trunk road lengths running through Newtown are set to be de-trunked with maintenance transferred from the Welsh Ministers to Powys County Council in 2019.

Newtown South County Councillor, Neil Morrison, who himself has taken part in a number of local charity runs said:

"As well as marking the opening of the Bypass, I see this idea as a great opportunity to promote physical activity too, especially with the recent announcement that Newtown has been successful in gaining funding for a new bridge dedicated to walking and cycling.

"I look forward to taking part in the event myself alongside other residents to christen the opening of the Newtown Bypass, which is a hugely important project for the Newtown and the wider Mid Wales region."