THREE shots rang out from the peaks of Snowdon this morning as part of the 300th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

A baton representing the regiment’s history is being taken around the world and was handed over on the summit by 32 Regiment Royal Artillery with shots being fired at 5.20am.

The handover to Newport’s 104 Regiment marks the start of the Welsh leg of the journey, with several ceremonial events planned for Brecon, Powys, Pen y Fan and Rhondda Heritage Park.

The two-tonne 105 light gun was transported to Snowdon’s peak by the Snowdon Mountain Railway and was no easy task for organiser Captain David “Dai” Meadows.

“It was quite difficult one as we had to look at various courses of action," he said.

"Helicopters were discounted as they were weather dependent and towing the gun could have caused damage.

“Snowdon is a national treasure and we didn’t want to damage it so we worked with National Resources Wales to get the gun there no matter what the weather conditions.”

Mr Meadows, 49, grew up in St Julians and served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 24 years in places ranging from Afghanistan and Bosnia to Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

He is currently serving as a captain in the Commission of Royal Artillery and believes that these events “pay homage to the culture, iconic locations, youth and past units of Wales".

He added: “I think these events help and it’s all about engagement and the profile of the military and the support we have had is unprecedented.

“Around 20 members of the public made the effort to climb Snowdon to be there and it was all made a success because of the wonderful weather. It was an absolute gift.”

The captain thanked the businesses, public and cadets involved in the ceremony and the Royal 119 Recovery Company of Royal Electrical Engineers, who supported the event.

Cadets from the Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet force took the baton from Snowdon to Blaenau Ffestiniog on the day via the zipwire at Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda before passing it onto a cycling team.

The next stage of the Welsh journey will see the baton travel via bicycle to St Davids, Pembrokeshire and will end with Cardiff ceremonies and gun salutes on Sunday.