The Prince of Wales visited a village near Oswestry to officially declare it the best in Wales.

Prince Charles unveiled the Welsh Village of the Year 2008 plaque in Froncysyllte yesterday in front of hundreds of members of the community.

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In Froncysyllte, the bunting and flags were flying as the prince was driven along the A5 into the village. Residents lined the streets, waving flags and sporting daffodils.

He spent nearly two hours on a tour of the village, getting a taste of traditional Wales with songs from the famous Fron Male Voice Choir, a swift half in the local pub and a piece of bara brith in the community centre.

The bara brith came from Cakes and Company, the community enterprise which helped clinch victory in the prestigious contest.

Beginning as a short-term project two years ago to raise funds for the community centre, the sale of cakes and light refreshments, coupled with the social aspect, was so popular it was decided to make it a permanent business.

Julie Williams, who organised Froncysyllte’s entry into the competition, said: “I think it’s an honour for the village.

“The prince was saying how friendly everyone was, what a nice atmosphere and how nice it was that people work together.”

Unveiling the plaque outside the community centre, Prince Charles said: “I congratulate everybody who managed to achieve so much to win this award.

“It is wonderful for me to visit the village and experience the extent of community spirit.”