MAENCLOCHOG Eisteddfod marked its diamond jubilee with a highly successful event at the local school on the May Day Bank Holiday.

Entries were of an excellent standard in most divisions, with 19 new hymns and 15 short stories in the open sections and 13 entries for the youth literary medal.

In the literary division, 19 competitors were entered for the full size eisteddfod chair, which had been made locally by joiner Jim Kelly and sponsored by local businesswoman Sarah Eynon. The adjudicator was Dic Jones.

Hanna Hopwood, a year 11 student at Ysgol Bro Myrddin scored her first eisteddfod success to win the medal, and Wyn Owen, of Llwyn Helyg, Mynachlogddu, was chaired bard for the third successive year.

Rather disappointing were the few entries received for the Welsh learner classes, said secretary Heather Jenkins.

To mark the occasion all winning competitors in under 12 classes received specially-designed commemorative slate plinths designed locally by Helen Davies and produced by Geraint Davies ,of Crosswell.

The chairman was Alun Daniel, Penarth, a son of the eisteddfod founder, Rev Moelwyn Daniel, and the stage adjudicators were Alun Guy, Cardiff, and Delyth Mai Nicholas, Pontardulias.

The Evans family of Blaensawd were this year's recipients of a commemorative plate, given in recognition of their contribution to local culture.