BUILTH Wells High School won almost half the region's medals at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Llanelwedd.

Talented pupils won 11 of the 24 medals won by the Brecon and Radnorshire region including four medals during the Eisteddfod week.

Year 9 pupils Eifion Davies came first in the solo percussion while Elin Bolland came second in the piano solo. Elin also won another second place in the instrumental duet with Amy Cromie from Year 12. Meanwhile, Mabli Jones picked up a bronze medal in the 'CogUrdd' cooking competition for years 7-9.

The other seven medals were won in the Arts and Crafts sections including a first place by Brân Davies, Year 9, for his jewellery work. Brân also won a second place with his 2D textiles work. Poppy Hughes in Year 11 also won another second place in the Arts and Crafts with her 2D textiles work. Winning third places were Maisy Wilcocks, Year 7, for monochrome prints, Ella Jones, Year 9, for CAD/CAM, Bethan Jones Year 11, for 3D creative work and Ieuan Jones, Year 13, for his Design and Technology Project portfolio.

Builth Wells High School pupils were also prevalent all week on the Eisteddfod field helping and volunteering in all aspects of the Eisteddfod including Year 12 students Tegwen Bruce-Deans and Freya Richards who took part on the stage for the Chairing and the Crowning ceremonies. Former Head Girl Gwen Davies led the chairing ceremony with her sister and current Head Girl, Elin Davies. The fanfare used for every major ceremony this year was composed by Year 11 pupil Bethan Jones. Other pupils who helped on stage were Ceiran Prynne of Year 12, Siôn Coyle of Year 11, Rhiannon Everett of Year 10, Angharad Edwards of Year 10, and Year 9 pupils Ella Jones, Eifion Davies, Elena Probert, Iwan Coyle, Elena Probert, Dafydd Woodland and Mabli Jones.

"We are immensely proud of all our pupils, those who competed and volunteered," said Headteacher Catrin Taylor.

"Their efforts contributed to one of the most memorable Urdd Eisteddfods for some years."

Chair of the Local Eisteddfod Working Party Stephen Mason said: “I would like congratulate all the pupils, parents and teachers from Builth Wells High School for being so supportive during Eisteddfod week. Thanks to local people like them, Brycheiniog and Maesyfed gave the rest of Wales the warmest of welcomes and showed everyone how much local talent we have.

"Let’s hope the Eisteddfod returns here soon!”