Students in Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to participate in a competition to write Wales' best speech.

The contest, called A New Voice for Wales, is run by pro-independence campaign group YesCymru.

It is inspired by the late broadcasting and rugby legend Eddie Butler.

The competition is open to students across Wales aged 16 to 18.

The student who writes the most inspiring address on the topic of independence will win The Eddie Butler Award, a £500 cash prize, and £250 for their school or college.

The winner will also have the opportunity to deliver their speech at YesCymru rallies.

Expressions of interest and requests for more information must be submitted by Friday, October 25, with information packs sent to applicants on Monday, November 4.

Speeches, which can be in Welsh or English, must be no longer than five minutes and be submitted by Friday, February 21.

Successful entries will proceed to regional heats in May, with the final taking place at Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil, in June.

YesCymru chairperson, Phyl Griffiths, said the competition aims to continue Mr Butler’s legacy and to 'celebrate and develop the next generation of talented spokespeople'.

Born on May 8, 1957, Eddie Butler was a former Wales and British Lions rugby international, commentator, and journalist.

He captained Pontypool RFC between 1982 and 1985 and gained 16 caps for the Welsh national side between 1980 and 1984, captaining six of those matches.

As well as being a teacher at Cheltenham College, he joined BBC Radio Wales as a press and publicity officer in 1984, and began his journalism career in 1988.

He wrote rugby columns for The Observer and The Guardian, and commentated on rugby matches for the BBC, becoming the voice of Welsh rugby.

In September 2022, he died in his sleep at the age of 65 during a charity walking expedition in Peru.

Leading up to his death, he became a passionate advocate of Welsh independence, delivering a memorable speech at YesCymru’s 2019 march in Merthyr Tydfil.

Phyl Griffiths said: "Eddie Butler had a masterful way with words.

"Through his powerful voice and his articulate grasp of language he was able to evoke feeling, stir passions and the soul.

"His words are his legacy and they remain an inspiration to us here in Wales.

"At YesCymru we are fortunate to have had the opportunity to campaign with Eddie as he put his voice firmly behind the cause of Welsh independence.

"His speech at the Merthyr march in 2019 was an iconic moment in the history of the Welsh independence movement.

"At YesCymru we’re proud to play a part in continuing Eddie’s legacy through this competition, the purpose of which is to inspire the next generation of young people in Wales and to develop their talent.

"We are urging young people all across Wales to take part and to show what they can do."

For full details and entry requirements, please contact post@yes.cymru.