Plaid Cymru has launched its local election campaign with a pledge to run innovative and efficient councils.

Setting out its key commitments, the Welsh nationalist party said it was putting forward more candidates than ever before.

"The latest figures show that we will have in excess of 1000 candidates across Wales in the local elections in June, with over 500 candidates at county council level," said party leader Dafydd Iwan.

"We aim to consolidate our success and build on our excellent record in local government, something we can do even more effectively with our record number of candidates."

The party pointed to its record in councils seized from Labour in 1999 such as Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly as proof that it can deliver on its commitments.

Key priorities for the party include investing in early years education, doing more to protect the environment and boost recycling, and keeping council taxes as low as possible while continuing to invest in front line services.

The party said it would end Labour's "frivolous, selfish spending...on junketing".

Plaid would also back moves to improve housing, campaign for more EU support for communities, and extend local democracy to involve marginalised groups such as young people.

"It is widely acknowledged that Plaid Cymru councils are leading the way with innovation in waste recycling and in the use of recycled and other environmentally friendly goods," said Iwan.