A PAINTING of a female World War II secret agent who has ties to Builth Wells has been donated to the town council.

The painting of Violette Szabo was gifted to Builth Wells Town Council by its artist, Janet Fitzpatrick.

Paris-born Violette was a British/French Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent during the war and became a posthumous recipient of the George Cross.

On her second mission into occupied France in February 1945, Violette, 23, was captured by the Nazis, interrogated, tortured and deported to Ravensbruck concentration camp in Germany, where she was later executed.

Her daughter Tania has lived in Builth for a number of years and was at the ceremony when the painting was presented to Builth mayor Mark Hammond.

“Today the mayor, Councillor Mark Hammond, took receipt of this beautiful painting gifted to (the) town council by artist Janet Fitzpatrick in memory of Violette Szabo, who was a special operations executive during the Second World War,” said the town council in a post on its Facebook page last month.

“Her daughter Tania, who lives in Builth Wells, was also present along with members of the Heritage Society and Cllr Alison Lewis. The painting will be displayed in Strand Hall foyer.”

A picnic celebrating what would have been Violette’s 100th birthday was held on The Groe in Builth on June 26, 2021.

Attendees were encouraged to bring their own food for the 40s themed event, which included songs and entertainment, and was attended by Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones.