LLANDOVERY has been praised by county councillors for securing a blue plaque to mark the life of the town's former vicar, Rhys Pritchard.

As well as being the Vicar of Llandovery from 1602, Rhys Prichard was a clergyman and poet, holding various posts at St. David's Cathedral.

Prichard, who was educated at Jesus College, Oxford, composed many poems on religious themes. His greatest fame lies with his influential poem Cannwyll y Cymry (The Welshman's Candle), a collection of poetical teachings and moral guidance.

The work of having the plaque has been led by County Councillor Handel Davies and a group of volunteers, including members of the Town Council which paid for the plaque itself.

Councillor Mansel Charles praised the group for their work during a full council meeting last week.

He said: The first blue plaque in Llandovery to recognise Vicar Rhys Pritchard was recently unveiled.

"Thank you to Handel Davies and the town council for their vision and work.

"Plaques such as these have been seen for years and I believe that we in rural areas should think more about whether there are areas in our communities which deserve to be recognised with a blue plaque. Perhaps we can lead the way to accomplish this."