Eisteddfod Powys organisers have praised the Banwy Valley community for hosting a “very successful” event - exactly 70 years after it was first held in the area.

Some of the country’s finest poets, writers and musicians were honoured at the seventh Eisteddfod Powys hosted by the Banwy Valley in July.

Chairman of the organising committee, Edwin Hughes, said it was “so heartening” to see a large number of competitors and spectators at the Eisteddfod in Llangadfan.

Taking home the Eisteddfod’s highest honours were Huw Dylan Owen, from Morriston, Swansea, who won the chair, and Aled Lewis Evans, from Wrexham, who won the crown.

The Young People’s Trophy (Tlws yr Ifanc) was won by Carmarthenshire student Sioned Mair Bowen.

Jane Ricketts-Hein, from Glasbury, near Hay-on-Wye, won the Learners’ Trophy (Tlws y Dysgwyr).

The bardic chair was made by Foel designer Carwyn Owen. Mr Owen said he was “very proud” to present the chair to the Eisteddfod.

He said: “I feel very fortunate to have the chance to make my fourth Eisteddfod chair. Powys Eisteddfod have blessed me with the chance to make this year’s chair.”

Mr Hughes, on behalf of Eisteddfod Powys, praised Mr Owen for designing the “beautiful and brilliant” oak chair.

He added: “He makes Powys proud.”

On the final day of the cultural event, five people from the Banwy Valley were given the honour of joining the Eisteddfod’s bardic court.

They were: Ysgol Dyffryn Banw headteacher Betsan Llwyd; Kathleen Morgan-Davies for her contribution to local history and Llwydiarth Church; Carol Ann Morgan, from Llanerfyl, for contribution to the Young Farmers Clubs in the area; Richard Tudor, of Llysun, for his services to agriculture in Wales; and Jane Peate, former headteacher of Llanfair Caereinion Primary School.

“The local people of Banw worked so hard to make it a success. I’m ever so grateful as an officer of the Eisteddfod,” Mr Hughes said.

“To see the number who competed – it was so heartening. There was a brilliant turnout.

“It’s important to keep the Welsh heritage alive.”

The Eisteddfod celebrates its bicentenary in Rhosllannerchrugog, near Wrexham, in 2020.