A WINDOW display by a Risca gift shop won first prize in a "dress your shop" competition held ahead of the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital parade and medal ceremony in the town tomorrow.

Staff from Thoughts gift shop pulled out all the stops with a vibrant window display to ensure the squadron of medics are given a warm welcome upon their arrival in Risca this weekend.

Four shop staff have been invited to dine with members of the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital unit after the parade.

The standard of entries was described as "extremely high", with Davis & Sons, Roberts & Co, All Creatures Great and Small, and Risca Flora were all given "highly commended" statuses for their creative efforts.

The contest was judged by the mayor of Caerphilly Michael Gray, accompanied by his consort Ruth Gray, Risca East representative Cllr Nigel George and mayor of Risca, Cllr Hazel Dupre today.

Cllr Gray said: “The task of picking a winner was a tricky one simply because of the exceptionally high standards of entries in Risca. I’d like to congratulate everyone who has taken part and contributed to a real sense of military pride and patriotism ahead of tomorrow’s parade.”

Cllr Dupre said she was "extremely proud" the business community in Risca town centre pulled out all the stops to ensure the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital unit are given "a heroes’ welcome" on St David’s Day.

The parade leaves Risca Primary School at 11.50am tomorrow, going along Graig View and Dan y Graig Road before turning onto Tredegar Street and coming to a halt in front of the Tredegar Park entrance gates at noon.

The medal presentation ceremony for the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital will then take place, before the unit marches through town to the war memorial.