The village of Talybont-on-Usk became a hub of art and admiration last month for World Curlew Day.

The event, on April 21, featured an evening of captivating talks, thought-provoking films, and an astounding display of artistic talent from local children, who participated in the "Draw a Curlew Competition" by submitting an impressive total of 156 artworks.

Many who attended the evening were in awe at the number and breadth of the entries.

The difficult task of selecting winners fell upon Andy King, the Brecknock Bird Recorder, who said he was bowled over by the exceptional quality of every submission.

The self-styled 'Curlew Crusaders,' Nina Krauzewicz and Fran Groves, presented prizes to the deserving winners from Crickhowell Community Primary School last Friday, May 12.

The following week, Llangynidr Primary School/Ysgol Gynradd Llangynidr, another enthusiastic participant, received their prizes.

To express their gratitude and admiration for all the submissions, each school was gifted a beautifully mounted curlew photograph, donated by local birder, Steve Wilce.

Nina Krauzewicz said: “The degree of interest in the plight of this iconic bird among so many young children just gives me hope for the future."

Fran Groves added: “I've no idea how we were able to narrow the prizes down to just a handful - the standard of art was amazing and the children had so obviously done their homework."

Talybont-on-Usk lies at the centre of the recently designated Important Curlew Area 12, part of the Gylfinir Cymru national scheme which aims to halt the catastrophic decline of the curlew.