A campaigner uses her face as a placard

Around 200 demonstrators rallied in Cardiff, demanding much stronger legislation to protect the language.

The event, led by the Welsh Language Society, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, took place outside Welsh Assembly Government buildings in Cathays Park.

Speakers included Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams, historian Hywel Teifi Edwards, and poet Mererid Hopwood.

Catrin Dafydd, chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith's Language Act campaign said: "There is by now over a decade since the old language act was passed and it's powers do not do enough to protect the rights of Welsh speakers in a world that is changing rapidly."

"Furthermore, the recent decision to abolish the Welsh Language Board has dismantled a large part of the contents of the old act.

"On the whole, this means that the Assembly Government really needs to consider the need to introduce new language legislation.

"However, despite this context, the assembly's Labour government is determined to ignore every call for a new Welsh Language Act.

Around 200 took part in the protest

The protesters said the demonstration was part of a longer campaign they had planned.

"Cymdeithas yr Iaith will launch a period of sustained direct action, targeting Government offices in every part of Wales," Ms Dafydd said.

"The aim of this non-violent action will be to bring the issue to the public's attention time after time, trying to secure that the government can not continue to ignore the issue."

The society recently launched a new drive for action. The slogan "Deddf Iaith - Dyma'r Cyfle" (Language Act - the only chance) was painted on the walls of the Welsh Assembly Government headquarters in Cathays Park, Cardiff.

The group announced that direct action would continue in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Hywel Williams MP said he would be raising the matter in the House of Commons.