WHEN the National Eisteddfod's accessibility officer found there was no high dependency toilet available for hire for the festival being staged near Pwllheli he set about building his own.

With the help of the National Eisteddfod's technicians the toilet which includes a hoist and a heavy duty changing platform was quickly created and installed near the entrance to the Maes.

It is being used by those whose conditions require additional facilities not normally found in the disabled toilets found elsewhere on the Maes.

Oliver Griffith-Salter, who uses a wheelchair himself, said: "We were unable to hire such a toilet because they are quite literally like gold dust. Festivals who want one ideally need to hire them about a year in advance.

"The one we have built is of a high specification, has everything an user needs and meets all requirements. It has been used and has been praised."

The 24-year-old, who lives in Cynghordy near Llandovery has a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and other organs and tissues and has used a wheelchair for the past 10 years.

His appointment to the National Eisteddfod's staff earlier this year is another step in the organisations determination to ensure the week-long festival to be as accessible to as many people as possible.

Oliver added: "Steps have been taken in previous years and the intention is to take further steps to improve accessibility."

He said the Eisteddfod are working with Byw Bywyd/Living Life, the Caernarfon-based company who hire out mobility scooters. once again this year, to provide facilities for those with additional needs.

"Their stand is located near the main entrance, close to the disabled parking so no one has far to go to get sorted out. Visitors can charge their scooter at the stand, even if they have not hired the scooter from Byw Bywyd," said Oliver.

The Eisteddfod's Llecyn Llonydd, or Quiet Space, is also located here. A relatively new innovation this offers its users a quiet area to relax with a cup of tea if required.

"If the sound of the Maes is too much we can provide ear plugs or if the light is too strong, if we get to see the sun, we can provide sunglasses or just a quiet space to gather their thoughts before continuing with their day," said Oliver.