There are 23 young people sitting on the youth council

The 23-strong youth council - Dyfodol Llanwrtyd Future - began in January to provide a voice for the young people living in Llanwrtyd Wells.

And their hard work was rewarded by the town's council on Saturday when the group was presented with a silver dragon.

Aged between 13 and 16 years old, the youth council meets every two weeks and has a representation at the monthly town council meeting.

For the first time we have direct contact, consultation and decision making powers with today's young people who will become our town's future Peter James, Mayor

"Taking part in the youth council has made us more aware of the way things work in the town and we welcome the opportunities it offers," said Jon Lucocq.

Mr Lucocq recently won the election to become chairman of the council, with Kayley Hendy and Dilwyn Jones elected as vice-chairs.

'Sustainable'

Llanwrtyd mayor Peter James said: "For the first time we have direct contact, consultation and decision-making powers with today's young people who will become our town's future," he said.

"We are very mindful as a town of the opportunities this venture presents and are keen to work hard with the young people to make it a sustainable project in the long term."

The youth council was set up under the auspices of the Health of Young People in Powys (HYPP) project, funded by a Welsh Assembly Government project which facilitates young people's health needs in rural areas.

"The youth council have worked very hard with the town council and the youth service since January to improve communication links within the town," said Marie Grannell, HYPPs health promotion worker.