THE campaign to keep Sully Island free for public use is gathering pace.

The Facebook support group now has almost 600 members, and a new website has been set up, through which people can donate money towards the £95,000 cost of buying the island.

The Keep Sully Island Free for Everyone group - set up by Dinas local Steve Shields, who aims to persuade 950 people to stake a £100 share in the 14.5 acre isle - has also set up the website www.savesullyisland.com And group members plan to hold an awareness event on Saturday, July 30 on the beach in front of the island, as a "final push" before the deadline for offers passes.

"The campaign has really touched a local nerve," said campaign leader Steve.

"Now we have the campaign website up and running, the Facebook pledges are turning into full donations "The campaign is gathering pace, and our dream of buying this much-loved local beauty spot on behalf of all of us, our children, and our children's children looks like it could actually come true!

"The support we have had already has been amazing, but we are still encouraging others to visit the website and donate," he added.

"And if the good and the great of the local community wish to get involved - be it anonymously or otherwise - we would be delighted.

"We are trying hard to secure a celebrity endorser and would welcome any help we can get."

The new website offers information on the island and the campaign, and a secure online method for donating.

If the campaign is successful, a trusteeship - made up of donators - will be created. If it is unsuccessful all donations will be refunded.

Cooke and Arkwright estate agent Chris Hyde said the Cadw-registered Site of Special Scientific Interest had attracted "massive interest" from potential buyers.

"Islands don’t sell often and there’s a real mystique about this one," he said.

The deadline for offers is August 4.