A group bidding to buy a Shropshire landmark was today given fresh hope by the owners of the land.

The Friends of Pontesford Hill, the group which is trying to buy the site near Shrewsbury with help from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, has not actively sought donations for the last two weeks following the announcement it has been outbid in the race to buy the land.

But the Forestry Commission, which is selling the lease, is now giving the partners the opportunity to match the higher bid provided they can raise the money in the next few weeks.

Since the Friends started their campaign at the end of July they say the response they have received has been “incredible”, with more than £52,000 being paid in.

Brian Morris, chairman of the Friends, said: “Bearing in mind that only residents of Pontesbury parish have been directly approached to make donations this shows the great affection that is felt locally for the hill that overlooks the village.”

Now the Friends are distributing a new letter, urging people who may have been holding back their donation due to the other bid, to make the payment as soon as possible. The area to be covered is to be extended to neighbouring parishes and parts of Shrewsbury.

In addition, members of the Friends will be in the Darwin Shopping Centre on Saturday, September 25, to seek support from shoppers.

Mr Morris said: “People stop me in Pontesbury village centre to offer their support for our campaign. Often they will say they intend to make a donation but have not got round to doing it.

“It is vitally important that they do so now if we are to keep the hill in local ownership and have it managed in a manner that will improve habitat for wildlife and allow us the full access we have always enjoyed. The hill is part of our heritage and must be kept safe for future generations.”

To make a donation go to www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk and follow the link to Pontesford Hill Appeal or call (01743) 248299.

By Russell Roberts