A TOP Denbighshire tourist attraction hosted its final popular sporting event ahead of its closure.

Runners descended on Bodelwyddan Castle on Saturday as part of its established parkrun event.

The popular timed running event attended by runners from across the region takes place every Saturday.

The 5k challenge has allowed people to enjoy the country park and grounds belonging to the Grade II listed building.

The Bodelwyddan Castle Trust announced in February that it would keep the property open to the public as long as possible after deciding to sell the 99-year lease.

Since then, although the mansion itself and art gallery have been closed the gardens and parkland have remained open. But with very limited income the closure was inevitable.

“We have looked at other ways we might become self-sufficient but just could not carry on,” said Trust chairman Dr Helen Papworth.

Though the grounds, including the re-created first world war trenches in the parkland, will be closed a skeleton staff will remain for security and maintenance purposes.

It has been valued at over £1m, and the Trust hopes to use the money to further its educational aims and display its own collection of artwork elsewhere.

A spokesman for agents Lambert Smith Hampton, who are handling the sale, said: “We have had quite a bit of interest.”