Wales’ First Minister joined celebrations in Ceredigion as Antur Teifi celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The landmark event was held at the Cliff Hotel, Cardigan, last week.

In his speech, First Minister Mark Drakeford shared his enthusiasm for finding new ways of engendering long-term economic growth and congratulated Antur Teifi on its adventurous and innovative spirit which has been key to its success over the past 40 years.

He said: “The strength – and ultimate success – of devolution in Wales comes from the vitality of our civic society.

"Antur Teifi has played a crucial role in fostering that civic culture by working with communities.

"Its ground-up approach and the value it places on home-grown ideas and economic development opportunities has made our economy, environment, language and culture stronger in Wales.”

Bronwen Raine, managing director of Antur Teifi, said: “We were delighted that the First Minister was able to join us in our celebrations and are grateful for his enthusiastic endorsement of our work.”

The event was attended by business leaders and decision makers key to the economic sustainability of the communities of west and mid Wales signalling Antur Teifi’s determination to ensure that the celebration is an opportunity to address today’s challenges in the region’s rural and foundational economy.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday