A MUCH-LOVED Wrexham band are the latest to receive a monthly award handed out to the community's heroes.

Over the last two years in particular, Declan Swans have risen to worldwide fame.

The band - made up of Ben Jones, Mark Jones and Michael Hett - have been performing together for over 20 years.

But, it was their appearance on the Welcome to Wrexham documentary that really shot them to new heights and earned them new fans around the world.

Their 'Always Sunny In Wrexham' hit is now played at the Racecourse before every Wrexham match and has become the catchy tune sung by all in the town.

Now, their success has been recognised even further as they this week became the latest recipients of the F Jones Initiative Award.

The initiative recognises those who contribute most to the Wrexham community and was originally established by Wrexham Lager and F Jones Food Service.

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A statement from the F Jones Initative team read: "We are delighted to confirm that the next monthly winners of the 2023/24 Wrexham Recognition Awards are the Declan Swans. A cult indie band, who have been contributing to the Wrexham music scene for many years.

"You may know of them, thanks to the success of their single “Always Sunny In Wrexham”, now regularly played and sung at Wrexham AFC fixtures.

"However, what you may not realise is that the Declan Swans have been creating popular tunes relating to Wrexham and its wider community for well over 20 years.

"The original concept of the band was to turn Michael’s poetry into catchy humorous tunes. Impressively, for the past 20 years, charity fundraisers have been in the band’s DNA. They have raised awareness and funds for various charities, local hospices and countless crowd fundraisers for the local community.

"Michael is an ex-miner and is currently a residential child care worker and recently featured in the successful Disney documentary Welcome to Wrexham sharing his own story of battling cancer and raising awareness for Bowel Cancer through his poetry.

"Mark (Jonesie) has been serving the public for over 30 years as a postman, as well as his work with the “Swans”, Mark has supported Stiff Little Fingers, John Coghlan (Status Quo) and the legendary Wrexham band Terminal.

"Ben took inspiration from his Grandad, who was a professional drummer for the BBC Big Band. Ben has a degree in sound engineering and has previously played for the band Cosbi, signing a record deal with Split Records, reaching the charts and has toured with Blondie, Simple Minds and Artic Monkeys and supported Happy Mondays at Hyde Park, whilst also running his own successful local electric company.

"The band’s biggest gig to date will be on the 27th and 28th May at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, when they will open a two day performance by Kings Of Leon. Good luck lads, go and smash it!"

Commenting on the award, the band said: "Thank you so much, we are absolutely delighted to receive this fantastic recognition!"