THE leader of Plaid Cymru has backed the bid for north Wales to become a World Heritage Site.

Leanne Wood has responded to Ysgol y Moelwyn students who have sent pieces of slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog to every significant political leader in the world, including the heads of political parties in the UK.

Mrs Wood took a snap with her piece of Llechi Bro stone and congratulated the students on their campaign to get north Wales’ slate heritage, a significant player in the history of the Ffestiniog area and Porthmadog, recognised as a UNESCO heritage site.

In a letter to the school children she wrote: “I would like to commend you all for the fantastic project that you’re involved in.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Blaenau Ffestiniog and Ysgol y Moelwyn in the past and whilst the large-scale slate industry may no longer exist as it once did, it’s good to see that slate is still very much a part of local business.

“I extend my congratulations to you all for your efforts in reaching out to politicians across the world,” added the assembly member, who is currently in a leadership battle for Plaid Cymru.

“It fills me with hope knowing that you are so engaged with the world around you, and are willing to engage with people in such a positive way.

“It is my pleasure to include a photograph of myself with the slate piece you’ve sent me.

“Hopefully I will get another chance in future to visit the area – I would love to pop into the school to meet you and thank you all in person.”

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