What makes you proud to be Welsh?

A NEW survey released today says the majority of people living in Wales identify themselves as being Welsh rather than British.

The Principality Building Society survey, which asked 1,000 Welsh residents a series of questions about Welshness revealed 40 percent of those questioned identified most with Wales, while 35 percent said their local community, and under a quarter (12 percent) chose Britain.

Coal was voted as providing the country's biggest legacy, followed by music and song, and of course, rugby.

And the survey revealed Welsh people are most proud of...Welsh people.

The survey showed that almost a quarter (23 percent) said the people of Wales when asked what made them the most proud when they thought about Wales.

Seventeen per cent said heritage, 16 per cent went for culture and just 10 percent said it was sport stirred the most pride when thinking about Wales.

WE asked people in Gwent what makes them proud about being Welsh: Model Samantha Gerrard, 22, from Cwmcarn, is currently learning the Welsh language and said being Welsh fills her with pride.

She said: "I love being Welsh because it is where all my family and friends are.

"when I am away in London I can't wait to cross the bridge. We have some of the nicest scenery in the world here.

"I love that I can walk out of my door and be on top of a mountain within 10 minutes."

International signing star Peter Karrie, who kicks off his 2008 tour tonight at Newport's Dolman Theatre, said: "I just love being Welsh.

It's about our pride, passion and the love we have for our families.

"I have toured all over the world and no matter where I go, I take a little map of Wales with me."

The former Newport Youth rugby player said: "There is a certain atmosphere about Wales that is indescribable."

Blaenau Gwent AM Trish Law said: "St David's Day is a special day in which to focus on our Welshness. I'm not saying we need to be reminded that we're Welsh, but sometimes we need to be reminded of the many reasons that should make us proud to be Welsh.

"While St David's Day itself plays more on Wales's long and distinctive cultural traditions, our nation is currently enjoying something of a sporting renaissance for which we can be justly and hugely proud.

"If this little country of ours lacked a democratic heart before, it certainly has one now in the form of the National Assembly for Wales."

Paul Flynn, 73, MP for Newport West, said: "I think the Welsh Assembly Government has revitalised what it means to be Welsh and has installed a greater pride and confidence in its citizens.

"The flow of talented Welsh people to London is being reversed, with Wales now holding enough power to attract people from all over the country.

"Being Welsh in 2008 incorporates successes in a variety of fields. With two Nobel Prize winners, a vibrant economy, numerous sporting successes and the infrastructure to hold large-scale events such as the Ryder Cup.

"Wales is a country on the up."

Singer Holly Hollyoake, 19, who has sung the anthem at international rugby matches, said: "Being Welsh is very important to me and singing before Welsh matches is the best way to feel that pride.

"It is a big thing for me to be able to sing for my country. It's my way of showing what pride I have in being Welsh.

"Speaking the Welsh language is also important and as I get older, I think I've realised how important it is becoming to Welsh people. I really want to speak it fluently in the next two years.

"I will definitely be wearing my daffodil and eating Welsh cakes for St David's Day."

John Griffiths , 51, AM for Newport East, said: "I think we have seen a strengthening of Welsh identity since the creation of the Welsh Assembly Government.

"This identity is important, as it allows people to feel they have strong roots and a sound base to go out into world.

"Wales is a beautiful country with a strong sense of culture and history and since devolution we now have a focus for the Welsh identity."

Ryan Jones, Wales rugby captain, from Newport, said: "My favourite sporting Welsh sporting moment has to be our Grand Slam victory in 2005. It was an extremely memorable time for everyone involved."

Jones said he identifies with his local community of Newport most and said his home is what makes him most proud when he thinks of Wales.

Wilfred Allen Griffiths, from Chepstow said: "St David's Day is a reminder that you are a proud Welshman."

His wife, Patricia Griffiths, agreed: "It's hard to put into words. It gives you that hywl feeling and you want to tell the world you're Welsh."

Sophie Thomas, 17, from Newport said St David's Day: "makes me think of daffodils, but I'm not really sure what it means these days."

Tiffany Shaw, 18, from Newport said: "I think it is a good day. It reminds me of when I was at primary school and we would dress up."