A purpose-made Joining Sword formed the centrepiece of this year's Gorsedh ceremony.

The two halves of the "weapon" were symbolically joined by bards from the Cornish and Breton gorsedhs and presented to the Welsh "Mother Gorsedh" as a sign of respect, peace and unity.

It was created by craftsman Colin Rescorla of St Columb Major, who also makes the silver hurling balls used in the town's famed festival.

"The wood for the handle of the sword is St Columb yew," said Colin. "I thought this would be appropriate because Henry Jenner, the Gorsedd's first Grand Bard in 1928, was born here.

"The silver on the handle is from an off-cut from the making of a hurling ball, which further symbolises the strong link between St Columb and the Gorsedh."

Grand Bard Mick Paynter, who publicly thanked Mr Rescorla during Saturday's ceremony on The Island, praised his skill, dedication and the time he had given to the project.

Funds towards the manufacture of the Joining Sword had been raised by bards.

Engraved on the blade are the words "lymm ow own heb own a boon", which is Cornish for "sharp my blade without fear of pain", which are taken from a poem by bard Tim Saunders.