Lecturers in Keighley have been shocked by the interest in Welsh

Keighley College began a Welsh learner's course which has been so successful that an advanced class is planned after Christmas.

Information Technology lecturer David Lloyd Owen, who is originally from Wales, set up the course, and was shocked by the response.

He said: "I was bullied into doing the course by my line manager.

We're in the middle of Yorkshire, but there were nearly 30 people wanting to study Welsh Julie Gough, Keighley College

"She said one day 'Why don't you teach Welsh?' and I said 'What for?'

"But we've been inundated and I'm having to run two classes after Christmas."

Currently, 26 people are taking evening classes in Welsh in Keighley College.

According to Mr Owen, some of the students are Welsh people living in England, others are regular holidaymakers to Wales, while some students plan to retire to Wales and want to learn the language.

'Welsh blood'

He added: "Some are expats and want to continue with the language and some want to retire to Wales and learn the language.

"I've been three years in Keighley and I've noticed that I've already developed an English accent on top of my Welsh."

The college's marketing manager, Julie Gough, said: "I couldn't understand it. We're in the middle of Yorkshire, but there were nearly 30 people wanting to study Welsh."

And Welsh learner at the college, Pam Pennington, said: "My father was born in Wales and I am proud of my Welsh blood. My son now lives in Snowdonia and speaks fluent Welsh.