The celebrations will reach a highpoint at Machynlleth in June

An inanimate figure of Glyndwr based in Machnylleth, mid Wales, has been refurbished so that it can move its arms and brandish its sword at invaders.

Preparations for anniversary celebrations are mounting in the town where he set up the first Welsh parliament.

Machynlleth has been chosen as the centrepiece of year-long celebrations across Wales to mark the 600th anniversary of Glyndwr's coronation as Owain the Fourth.

Glyndwr's coronation and the setting up of his parliament Machynlleth took place in June 1404.

The prince can now be seen to be breathing, looking about him slowly as well as moving his sword and shield Paul Jenkins, Fourth Dimension

On 1 March - St David's Day - a ceremonial sword replicating one presented to Glyndwr by the king of France will be unveiled for public viewing before being donated to the town later in the year.

The life-sized figure of Glyndwr at the Owain Glyndwr Institute has been brought to life by Paul Jenkins of Llanbrynmair-based company Fourth Dimension Design.

Cycling mannequin

"The prince can now be seen to be breathing, looking about him slowly as well as moving his sword and shield," said Mr Jenkins.

Fourth Dimension specialises in taking static figures and rebuilding their interiors to allow them to move.

The company has already rebuilt a dragon at King Arthur's Labyrinth at Corris and a cycling mannequin at Llandrindod Wells' National Cycling Collection.

The highlight of events marking the Glyndwr coronation throughout Wales this year will be "Glyndwr's Nation Weekend" at Machynlleth between 18 - 21 June.

The sword could be kept alongside at the Owain Glyndwr Institute

The Machynlleth community will be presented with a ceremonial sword to mark its role in the Welsh warlord's bid for Welsh independence from the English throne.

Events could include a recreation of Glyndwr riding into the town on horseback, a medieval market and the presentation to the town of an exact copy of the sword sent by the French king to mark the coronation.

"We were aware that in 1404 the French king had given Prince Owain a gift of a helmet, armour and word to mark Owain's coronation," said Sian Ifan of Embassy Glyndwr.

Embassy Glyndwr, set up in 1999, has liaised with councils across Wales to promote the anniversary.

"A generous Cardiff businessman has agreed to sponsor the venture and a blacksmith is making the replica of the Glyndwr's sword," said Ms Ifan.

Machynlleth Town Council has already backed Embassy Glyndwr's ideas for the June celebrations.

"We are currently liaising with Embassy Glyndwr about the best way to mark this anniversary," said town clerk, John Parsons.

"It will be a great honour to receive a ceremonial sword which we could keep in the Owain Glyndwr Institute where the town council meets."