After 10 years of renovation work, The Strand Hall was officially opened by Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall.

The building was saved with more than £500,000 of funding from the Town Council, Army Cadets and the surrounding community.

Since 1903, the iconic building has stood in the centre of town at the heart of the community and with the opening of the Edwardian building, it has reignited fond memories of the community hall.

The architect behind the renovation, Bryan Jones, said the building is the “linchpin of the town”.

“When I was in school I sang in the senior boys solo on that stage, and I met my wife Ann at a dance here around 60 years ago.

“When it came to restore this place, I couldn't say no. But it was a challenge.

“If you were brought up here and through the different eras, it's the linchpin of the town. It brought communities together. I really was the hear t of the town.

“I hope the next generation will enjoy it. It's brilliant to see the Royals open it,” he added.

The Young Farmers Clubs of Builth Wells and Erwood regularly use the building for practices and performances.

Chairman of Builth Wells Young Farmers, Greg Thomas, said: Greg Thomas: “There are so many people with a connection with this hall. My first night out was in this hall, so the next generation will have that opportunity now.

“It was a great honour to have the Royals come and visit Builth Wells. It's a once in lifetime event. To come and open this iconic building for the town and see all the best produce that's on offer within the Builth Wells area., it’s incredible.

“We are the heart of Wales, and it's a huge occasion.”

Builth Wells Town Councillor Adrian Jones said “you can’t explain the passion behind this place”.

“When you get people coming in here, they know the exact spot that they met their husband and wife.

“There have been thousands of people who have walked through this building since it opened in December.

“When you see the kids performing it makes you so proud. I was a pirate on stage here in The Pirates of Penzance back in the 60s!”

Builth Wells High School student, Isabelle Frewin spoke to Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall about the collage project of The Strand Hall history.

“It's in the shape of the window so it’s like you're looking through the window and into the past. It has the timeline of all the different uses of the hall over the years.

Speaking about meeting the Royal couple, Isabelle said: “It was really exciting but I was nervous. They made us feel very at ease and they were funny as well."