The statue of Owain Glyndwr is lifted into place in the town

The �125,000 bronze monument, which has taken four years to make, has been erected in Corwen in Denbighshire.

Its unveiling had been delayed after a lorry carrying its plinth plunged down a ravine in China earlier this year.

It marks the 16 September anniversary of the day that Glyndwr was proclaimed the first Prince of Wales in 1400.

Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas unveiled the 4.5m (14.7ft) statue, which depicts Glyndwr astride a battle charger rallying people to the Welsh cause on the outbreak of hostilities in September 1400.

Commissioned by the Corwen Partnership, the statue will replace an earlier representation of Glyndwr installed by the Corwen Community Council in the 1980s.

"We are absolutely delighted that this stunning depiction of Glyndwr is finally being installed in his home town and believe it will become a real icon not only for Corwen and the Dee Valley but the Welsh nation as a whole," said Nigel Davies, chairman of the Corwen Partnership.

He's a man who gave up everything for the sake of his nation Sculptor Colin Spofforth

"The statue depicts a fighting man, probably the image most people would associate with Glyndwr, but there was much more to him than that.

"He united a nation under one figure head, set up universities and a Welsh Parliament but more importantly he gave its people hope.

"He was a great man and I feel this new statue goes some way to honouring his memory," he added.

Sculptor Colin Spofforth spent months researching Owain Glyndwr before beginning his work.

He said he wanted to represent the many faceted character of Glyndwr.

English forces

"He was not only a man spurred on by his sense of independence and national pride, but also an academic, a nobleman and a brave warrior.

"He's a man who gave up everything for the sake of his nation," he added.

One of the key figures in Welsh history, Glyndwr took his name from the Dee Valley in which Corwen is situated.

Glyndwr managed to take control of the whole of Wales and held a parliament in Machynlleth in Powys, but was eventually defeated by English forces.