The Welsh nationalists are preparing for their Spring conference this weekend with a pledge to bounce back from last May's disappointing assembly elections.

As delegates prepare to gather in Trefforest in Pontypridd, Plaid Cymru's leaders said they were putting their faith in "good, old-fashioned hard work".

Party Leader Dafydd Iwan said both he and his deputy leader, MEP Jill Evans, had taken a "hands-on approach", travelling throughout Wales.

"We go into the June elections with more candidates than ever before, and with a track record of Plaid Cymru councils who manage their councils exceptionally well," Iwan added.

"In the European Parliament, Plaid Cymru MEPs have brought a Welsh dimension to the parliament for the first time, where Jill Evans has established an outstanding reputation for working hard and fighting hard for Wales."

And Evans said the party was "fighting hard for Wales".

"Many neutral observers have praised Plaid Cymru-led councils for their efficiency, and, of course, in some cases they have done a magnificent job in improving councils beyond recognition since taking over from Labour," she added.

"In addition, strong Plaid Cymru groups on a number of other councils around Wales have contributed substantially to their areas."