IF we want to celebrate Cardigan's 900th anniversary in 2010 then we have to get organised now.

A grassroots committee is needed to spearhead and organise the year's celebrations which will put Cardigan on the map in the UK and further afield.

The Tivy-Side is fully behind 2010 - and wants interested organisations and individuals to come together for a special meeting to get the ball rolling.

"2010 could be the best thing to happen to Cardigan - but the clock is already ticking," said Tivy-Side deputy editor Sue Lewis.

Aberaeron is celebrating its bicentenary this year - but townspeople first started thinking about the celebrations in 2000, while Fishguard set up an organising committee three years before its Last Invasion Bicentenary celebrations in 1997.

Clare Hieatt, who runs one of Cardigan's most successful businesses, howies, said it was vital to start thinking about 2010 now.

"From a marketing point of view you need a big idea and start working on that.

"We love Cardigan - it's the best place in Wales - and if it has got a story to tell then it is important we get it out there."

Town regeneration group Menter Aberteifi has already signalled its support and now the call is going out for other groups to come forward.

Local county councillor Mark Cole said: "The 900th birthday celebrations in 2010 will give Cardigan the opportunity to showcase to all of Wales what we have and what we're about."

And Cllr Mair Morris said a local committee was a "must".

"This is an an opportunity to celebrate and tell the world about all that is good about Aberteifi, our town. Why we love to live, raise our families and enjoy life here".

Anyone who wants to get involved should contact the Tivy-Side on 01239 614343 or email tivyside@gwent-wales.co.uk. If there is enough interest a special meeting will be called within the next few weeks.