INTERNATIONAL rugby players were among those honoured during Monday's Cylch Y Gorsedd ceremony.

Two Welsh Rugby Union stars - Ken Owen and Jonathan Davies - received blue robes from Archdruid Myrddin ap Dafydd and were praised for their contribution to the Welsh language, with the pair known to conduct post-match interviews through the medium.

Also among those awarded with blue robes was presenter S4C Aled Samuel.

The Conwy, Anglesey, Gwynedd and Denbighshire regions had local heroes of their own as well, with many of them being recognised for their hard work on behalf of Wales and the language.

The 200th Gorsedd ceremony led by Archdruid ap Dafydd and the music of harpist Meinir Lloyd from St Asaph, saw a large crowd gather to celebrate with those who were being honoured with their robes and instalment into the circle of Bards.

Before proceedings began, the Archdruid gave a powerful speech, telling the people in attendance that "now is the time for Wales to do, to roll its sleeves up and march forward".

Among those from the local area to be awarded a green robe was (Bardic names in brackets): Sara Davies (Sara Rhos) from Old Colwyn and white robes were awarded to Ryan Vaughan Davies (Ryan ap Hywel) from Old Colwyn and Eilir Gwyn (Eilir) and Tim Healy (Tim Cerddwr Efrog) from Colwyn Bay.