THE family of David Lloyd George have launched a £250,000 appeal to celebrate the 100th anniversary of him becoming Prime Minister.

The appeal was launched at the Lloyd George Museum in Llanystumdwy where his family gathered to mark the centenary of his premiership.

David Lloyd George was one of the 20th century’s most famous radicals as well as being the first and only Welshman to hold the office of Prime Minister.

The family have launched the Lloyd George Premiership Centenary Appeal to help develop the museum that is dedicated to him.

Television historian and great-great-grandson Dan Snow is backing the campaign to keep his legacy alive and refurbish the museum.

He said: “He is one of the most fascinating figures in British history.

“An anti-war radical who became the most powerful man in the British empire, at its zenith and oversaw a vastly expensive and brutal war.

“A man who laid the foundations of our welfare state.

“The first Prime Minister to emerge from a working class background and the only Welsh speaking prime minister ever.”

Former solicitor Lloyd George went on to lead the coalition government through the First World War.

As well as playing a key role in the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 that helped to re-shape Europe.

His grand niece Elizabeth George, from Criccieth, says she hopes the fundraising will see more modern and interactive exhibits.

She said: “We are also hoping to organise workshops, lectures and events to explore the role of prime minister, both in war-time and peace. We would also like to develop the library as an educational resource and study area.”

The appeal will also see nationwide events, culminating in a glittering VIP dinner in London on 6 December – a century to the day since Lloyd George was appointed Prime Minister.

At 10am on 18 January relatives gathered at Lloyd George’s graveside to mark his birthday. His grandson, 90-year-old Bengy Carey Evans from Criccieth, laid a wreath on the statesman’s grave as children from the village school sang Welsh hymns.

Also present were Arfon MP Hywel Williams plus former Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Nant Conwy MP Elfyn Llwyd.