NEW pathways have officially been opened in Llanfyllin, including a dragon designed by a pupil in a school competition.

The opening of the Safe Routes in Community paths took place at the high school.

The new facilities have been funded thanks to a Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities grant.

Not only can the community and children access the town’s schools and leisure centres, the project has also seen access to the town improved with a new path through the community field.

The public will only be able to use paths in the school grounds outside school hours.

The project is aimed at encouraging people and schoolchildren to walk or cycle for short journeys within the town rather than travel by cars.

The community and school were consulted on the plans for the new routes, which were constructed by the council.

Arts Connect and a blacksmith from the area also played a big part in designing and constructing an element of the project, a dragon sculpture.

The school held a competition earlier this year for pupils to design a sculpture that welcomes pedestrians to the pathway.

The winning design was by Aaliyah Jones who, along with other year eight pupils, helped Machynlleth blacksmith Spike Blackhurst visualise the design.

Cllr Liam Fitzpatrick, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “The new paths have already proven to be a big hit with the local community. It has provided Llanfyllin with one of the best facilities in the county.

“The benefits of providing safe routes for our communities are massive and they can help people lead healthier lives. I hope the people of Llanfyllin keep using these paths for many years to come.”