A NEW town trust has been created in Penarth to help fund future projects in the town.

The trust hopes to build up a database of fundraisers, to help finance initiatives which will benefit Penarth, and is holding a Big Lunch launch to kickstart its drive.

The aim is carry on similar community work to the Penarth Rotary Club which recently disbanded after nearly eight decades.

Town councillor Tracey Alexander and architect Chris Loyn, president of Penarth Civic Society, set up the new trust.

Cllr Alexander said the trust was set up to provide financial support for the civic society's campaign work.

"We want to support projects and service areas and pay tribute to the work of the rotary club," she added

"It is very important to the town trust that we can build up a database of volunteers and fundraisers to help with future projects.

"We want to engage the community and want this to be from the people and for the people."

Jenny Yeo, of the town trader group Merchants of Penarth, has also recently joined the town trust.

Mrs Yeo's idea for a food market at Turner House gallery was shelved after it caused uproar among some locals.

But she is determined to move past this and has always wanted to have a positive impact on the town.

She will be hosting a food market in the Paget Rooms, which will be linked to the Big Lunch with both events directing visitors to and from the other.

Cllr Alexander added: "Jenny has been a great support for us with this project. She brings skills and expertise that will be really useful.

She also said the long term goal of the trust is to encourage social enterprise and generate income for the town.

She added: "There are lots of people and organisations in the town trying to do good things but if we can bring them all together it would be advantageous."

Mrs Yeo said she was happy to be involved with the Big Lunch project and offer what practical support she could.

The Big Lunch and Paget Rooms food market are scheduled to be held at Windsor Gardens on September 3.