CROWDS gathered for the official opening of a new recreational facility.

Llanfyllin Cllr Simon Baynes did the honours at the pump/bike track in Cae Bodfach on Saturday (July 21).

He said: "It was a pleasure for me to formally open the new pump/bike tack in Cae Bodfach, Llanfyllin with a great turnout of cyclists, family supporters, onlookers and visitors to the town - and our celebrity guest Tony Skeggs who kindly provided the live music in the evening.

"Many thanks to the Llanfyllin Community Initiative for making this possible.

Congratulations to everyone who has worked on digging and making the track, raising and donating money and helping today - they have created something very special which is already giving many young people a great deal of pleasure."

Committee chairman Liam Swain thanked businesses for their generous support.

He said: "Without the support, this fantastic project for Llanfyllin would not of been possible. I cannot thank them enough.

"I would like to thank all the volunteers who levelled the stone and wheel-barrowed soil in helping to construct track. It has been truly am amazing effort by everybody."

The support involved designing track and submitting planning application from Lloyd Surveyors. All the excavating equipment from Ridgway Rentals, the stone from T G Group, security fencing from Powys County Council Llanfyllin depot, Pickstock Homes for tarmac, Spar for picnic benches and Llanfyllin Town Council for a grant.

Mike Sleigh, of TG Group, said: "Regardless of the business support that has been received, I am very aware of the hard work that has been put in by the community in creating the cycle track."

The committee will plant a tree in the autumn in the remembrance of former Llanfyllin Community Initiative chairman Wendy Evans, who did not see the bike track completed. Mr Swain added: "Wendy was an inspiration to us all and is missed enormously."