SUPPORT for north Wales’ bid to be World Heritage Site continues to grow, both home and away.

First Minister Carwyn Jones has thanked pupils at Ysgol y Moelwyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog, who have sent slate samples to every country in the world and hopes they can become “ambassadors for Wales in the future”.

Mr Jones is the latest on a long line of politicians who have supported the children’s initiative to see North Wales’ slate industry recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In a letter to the schoolchildren, Mr Jones wrote: “I would like to thank you very much for the kind gift of Welsh slate which holds a very special significance for me as First Minister for Wales.

“You might be interested to know, although I’m sure you are already aware, the slate is the same Blaenau Ffestiniog slate that has been used in the construction of the Senedd: that is a symbol of the important history of Blaenau Ffestiniog and its slate.

“As well as the links you underline to our natural history and heritage, I am very pleased to hear of the outward-looking and global approach you have shown in the development of this work.

“I would like to wish you and your classmates all the very best with this project and with your individual future ambitions.

“I feel sure we will see students of Ysgol y Moelwyn as ambassadors for Wales in the future.”

Samoa prime minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi also sent through a photograph of himself with his piece of slate and included a letter thanking the children for their presents, reflected on Wales and Samoa’s sporting rivalry in rugby, and spoke about how Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson died on the island and had his house converted to a museum.

He also encouraged the children to “study hard and visit Samoa some time”.

South Korea president Moon Jae-in also sent his thanks as did the office of New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern (who was on maternity leave when the slate arrived).

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