ABERGAVENNY'S Frank Olding has been honoured with an Ovate at this year's National Eisteddfod.

The green-robed Ovate order is one of three Bardic orders of merit and is awarded in recognition of services to Wales.

Frank Olding, a former curate of Abergavenny museum, travelled to Wrexham to join the ranks of the Gorsedd y Beirdd (Gorsedd of the Bards), which is made up of poets, writers, musicians, artists and others who have made a distinguished contribution to the Welsh nation's language and culture.

Mr Olding's citation states that he has 'worked for the development and growth of the Welsh language in the old county of Gwent. A great supporter of the Eisteddfod, he worked tirelessly for the festival, and his help and support was a welcome boost to the work in Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valleys.'

Upon returning from the Eisteddfod Mr Olding told the Chronicle, "It was a complete honour to receive the Ovate. I was surprised, pleased, and pretty much over the moon.

"It was a truly memorable experience to be part of the Chairing of the Bard ritual for the first time. I'd seen the ceremony many times over the years from the audience, but being part of it was truly an honour.

"Above all I fulfilled a lifetime's ambition by getting to wear a druid's hat for the first time in public," laughed the Abergavenny historian.

Mr Olding, who went onto gain a degree in the Welsh language explained revealed, "Welsh wasn't my mother tongue, I learnt it as a second language at school.

"I find the language so expressive and meaningful. I would definitely advise anyone out there who is thinking of learning it, to take it up. It really does unlock doors for anyone seeking to understand their heritage.

"What speaking Welsh does is give you another way of looking at your environment and culture."

Mr Olding, who has worked for Cadw, the Welsh heritage body, is currently working as the heritage officer for Blaenau Gwent County Council.

Julia Hawkins from Crickhowell, won the Welsh Learner of the Year competition and she also received an honorary ovate at the Wrexham Eisteddfod.