LLANGOLLEN, the home of the international musical Eisteddfod, welcomed a visit from a former Nicaraguan government official last week.

Johnny Hodgson, former elected representative and commission chairman of Bluefields, the capital of Nicaragua, was a guest speaker at the Wales Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign event held at St Collen’s Community Centre on April 12.

Nicaragua is a Spanish and English speaking, multicultural country in Central America, bordering Costa Rica and Honduras, with its own autonomous government.

The Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign aims to support social and economic justice in Nicaragua by raising awareness of the country's challenges.

Thirty years after his first visit to Wales, Mr Hodgson returned to talk about how life had improved for people in his country over the last decade and drew comparisons with Wales.

Mr Hodgson also discussed the impact of the protests against the Nicaraguan president last year which resulted in more than 300 deaths.

Ben Gregory, secretary of the Wales Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign, said: "We were extremely glad to welcome Johnny back to Wales. This is his fifth visit to Wales over the last thirty years.

“He talked about the things that have changed in Nicaragua recently with investment in infrastructure such as new roads, and electricity and water being provided to a greater number of people.

“He also talked about the challenge posed by reconciliation after last year’s violence."

For more information visit the Wales Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign website.