WALES' oldest man who lives in Llay has been awarded with the key to the village.

Geoffrey 'Geoff' Walker Patrick is 105 years young and in November took the mantle of the oldest man in Wales.

And the Second World War veteran has been handed a special commendation by Llay Community Council for his achievement.

On Friday, local councillors and the mayor of Wrexham visited Geoff at his home to hand him the key to the village - the first Llay resident to receive the honour.

The Leader: Geoff Walker Patrick receives the key to Llay from the community council's chair, Councillor Bryan Apsley. Geoff Walker Patrick receives the key to Llay from the community council's chair, Councillor Bryan Apsley.

Llay councillor Rob Walsh said: "It was great to be present to witness the presentation of this award to Geoff - thoroughly deserved.

"A big thank you to Llay Community Council who have created this award, to the community council chair, Bryan Apsley, for presenting to Geoff, to the mayor of Wrexham, Ronnie Prince, for attending and to Joanna Price (Geoff's great niece) for helping us to make this presentation a reality.

"Thanks must also go to the participants of Llay Noticeboard who suggested many weeks ago that Geoff deserved an award of this nature for being the oldest man in Wales. So big thank you to everyone. Congratulations again, Geoff."

The Leader:

Councillor Bryan Apsley described Geoff - a veteran of the North African Campaign during the Second World War - as a "legend".

Joanna Price said: "I’d just like to say a big thank you to Rob Walsh, Bryan Apsley and the mayor of Wrexham for coming to present Uncle Geoff with 'The Key to the Village of Llay'.

"It has been awarded by the community council in recognition of both his service to our country during World War Two and also to commemorate him being the oldest man living in Wales at age 105 - and 6 months.

"Uncle Geoff was so proud to receive the key to the village that he wanted to be taken on a mini tour. As ever, a legend and a hero."

The Leader: Geoff's family attended the special day. Geoff's family attended the special day.

The day was made particularly special for Geoff as throughout the pandemic he has been unable to see people - something which is said to have affected him greatly.