A STUDENT from Ruthin has spoken of her pride at being part of something “potentially historic in Welsh history “as she helped re-create a tribute to a drowned Gwynedd village this week.

The iconic “Cofiwch Dryweryn” mural served as a memorial to Capel Celyn near Bala which had been flooded in 1965 to provide water to a reservoir in England.

Over the weekend, the wall where the graffiti was located, on the road between Aberystwyth and Llanrhystud, had been defaced and replaced with the word “Elvis”.

The incident sparked anger from all over Wales and a group of six young people, including Grisial Hedd Roberts from Ruthin, decided to take matters into their own hands.

The 21-year-old Aberystwyth University student joined friends; Elfed Wyn Jones, Caleb Sion Davies, Osian Hedd Harries, Iestyn Rhys Phillips and Aron Dafydd on Sunday night to begin re-painting the “Cofiwch Drwyeryn” slogan back onto the wall.

They stayed at the sight, sleeping in their cars until the red and white paint had dried at 4am on Monday morning.

“When I saw that the wall had been vandalised, I felt that we had to do something in order to change it back to its original form,” Grisial said.

“I think it was important to do that as the slogan itself gives such a significant reminder within Wales’ history, albeit a dark one.

“Now that it has been complete, I feel a real sense of pride just knowing that me and my friends may have played our parts in something which could go on to be seen as an important move in Welsh history.

“I hope that this incident will once again raise awareness of Tryweryn amongst Welsh people and others too.”

The drowning of Tryweryn and Capel Celyn in 1965 sparked widespread protests in Wales and both incidents are regarded as having ignited the Welsh nationalist and language movement.

The wall where the mural is located has been defaced several times in the past as it is not currently a listed structure. The Welsh Government says it "would be willing to engage in talks with the Llanrhystud Community Council on better protection of the site".

Speaking on the significance of the mural, Bala Councillor Dilwyn Morgan said: "It is a very important part of Wales’ history which reminds us of one of the biggest disasters our country has ever seen.

"It should be preserved further as a national icon for future generations to understand its significance. It’s a shame there is not one located closer to Llyn Celyn itself."

Welsh language group Cymdeithas yr Iaith (CYI) agree that the memorial should be preserved and not face being destroyed again.

CYI member David Williams said: "This is a memorial to one of the worst disasters in the recent history of Wales. It should be protected, not damaged.

“We as a group would like to say thanks to all those who worked to restore it. These recent events show the importance of teaching everyone in Wales about our history.”