WORLD leaders are all set to receive a piece of Ffestiniog history in a bid to boost north Wales’ UNESCO bid.

There is currently a campaign to strengthen the bid for World Heritage status for the slate mining valley areas of north Wales, including towns such as Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

This is a celebration of the contribution by north Wales to the rest of the world by way of slate production, the workforce expertise and resulting technology transfer over the years.

In an initiative to boost the bid, Ysgol y Moelwyn pupils have set about contacting the world’s foremost politicians in an attempt to get their support for World Heritage status for north Wales.

Small pieces of slate, from Cwt y Bugail quarry, prepared and donated by Grey Slate in Porthmadog have been emblazoned with the Llechi Bro logo, and are being sent out by pupils to presidents, principals, and prime ministers across the globe in an attempt to recapture past glories of the Ffestiniog slate industry.

196 countries will have slate sent to them but stone will also be sent to the UN, the EU, Antarctica, states not recognised by the UN (such as Palestine), and the leaders of all of the UK’s political parties.

The first batch of slate has been sent out and already has the backing of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s office has also responded but declined to take part in the campaign.

Gareth Davies, a geography teacher in Ysgol y Moelwyn who inspired the scheme, was pleased with how the story was progressing.

“The students are really enjoying this unique experience, and through their love of geography are really beginning to show the world how proud they, and we all are of our past, and how we all care for our future,” said Mr Davies, who was also responsible for sending Ffestiniog slate into space for the first time last year.

“We sent off 60 pieces last week and another 40 are due to head out soon, it’s finding an address to send them to that takes the time.

“The UNESCO bid is important to the area as it will open doors and will highlight the beauty and culture in this industrial region which we want to share with the rest of the world.

“There is more to this area than steam trains and zip lines. This bid hopes to show this.

“It also instils a sense of pride in the children who are really getting behind the idea.”

To keep track of the campaign, please follow @Gwyl_Lechi_Bro on Twitter.

The prime minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel has also been pictured with his slate, lending his support to the campaign.