CANADIAN prime minister Justin Trudeau penned a personal letter to a group of entrepreneurial Meirionnydd schoolchildren.

A prince and a country’s president have also contacted a group of Ysgol y Moelwyn pupils who are looking to raise Blaenau Ffestiniog’s profile across the globe.

Llechi Bro are looking to boost a north Wales bid to recognise the region’s slate industry heritage as UNESCO site, including the Ffestiniog region and Porthmadog.

In order to do so, the industrious teenagers have sent pieces of slate emblazoned with the Llechi Bro logo to politicians in every country around the world.

The most recent respondent is Mr Trudeau who wrote a letter to the school group.

He wrote: “Wow! Thank you for your thoughtful letters and gift of a piece of slate from the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

“As prime minister of Canada, I love to receive letters from young people all over the world. It always makes me happy when students become interested in their heritage.

“This project is a remarkable task, and reflects the admirable pride you have in your history.

“I hope you continue to work hard in school, and inspire others.

“Thank you once again for writing to me, and for the gift. I wish you all the best!”

In addition, Prince Albert of Monaco posed for a picture with his piece of slate and thanked the students for their “gift of stone”.

Charles Savarin, president of the Commonwealth of Dominica, also sent an autographed photo and wished the comprehensive schoolchildren “success on their very fascinating school project”.

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