MORE than £10,000 has been pledged by the Cirencester business community to go towards a friendship agreement with the City of Bathurst in Australia.

Businesses in the town were briefed about the initiative, which came about thanks to Lord Bathurst himself, during a launch event at Cirencester Park last month.

Since then, Aura Care Living has been announced as a major sponsor, while there have also been substantial contributions from Artesia Consulting and others.

Businesses at the launch were asked to help achieve the vision to promote awareness, communication and opportunities for the people and organisations of the two regional capitals.

Mayor Nigel Robbins and Cllr Mark Harris have also been heavily involved in the scheme, with Bathurst Regional Council officially having approached Cirencester Town Council in 2016.

Lord Bathurst originally came up with the idea after he visited his namesake city in 2015, which was named after his ancestor, the third Earl of Bathurst.

Cllr Harris said: “One of our key objectives is to create a fund to send a young person, who would not usually get the chance, to Bathurst for a life changing opportunity through education, work, volunteering or sport.”

In partnership with Cirencester Community Development Trust (CCDT), a series of activities and events will also take place, culminating in a community launch at the Parish Church in October.

Peter Lloyd, sales director for Aura Care Living, called the partnership “a marvellous idea”.

“It will help tourism in both regional capitals and give an insight into the history and heritage of Bathurst and its links to Cirencester,” he said.

“It is a great opportunity for businesses to connect, share knowledge and commercial opportunities.

“Furthermore, the fund to send a young person to Bathurst is a great way to cement our friendship and help those in our community who don't have the opportunities that others do,” he added.