JANE Dodds has paid a visit to a Grade I listed Powys landmark dating back to the 12th century.

Member of the Senedd Ms Dodds visited Hay Castle to inspect the progress of restoration work taking place.

Dating back to at least the late 1100s, Hay Castle has been undergoing renovation since its purchase by the Hay Castle Trust in 2011.

The Grade 1 listed landmark is expected to become a major tourist destination in Mid Wales upon the project’s completion, currently scheduled for next spring.

After receiving a tour of the site, Hay-on-Wye resident Ms Dodds said: “The work being carried out at Hay Castle is absolutely world-class. Some of the parts that had burnt down in 1939 and 1977 are now utterly unrecognisable.

“I am confident when the project is completed it will be at the beating heart of our community. What really makes the project so special to me is the commitment to both inclusivity and education that have been incorporated into the project.

“The commitment of the project to make Hay Castle an open part of the community, rather than only a tourist attraction, is extremely important. As is its commitment to be wheelchair accessible throughout the building, even to the very top viewpoint.

“The focus on education, tying into Hay’s status as the ‘Town of Books’, also will ensure there is plenty of benefit to learners young and old with reading spaces and learning rooms found throughout the site.

“I simply cannot wait for Hay Castle to open its doors next spring and for local residents to finally experience the changes first-hand. I really want to pay tribute to all those involved in the castle’s restoration, the work they have done is truly extraordinary.”