Learner prize for city teenager

Rachel Perry plans to study history in Bristol

The Learner's Medal at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Conwy has gone to Cardiff 18-year-old Rachel Perry.

She won the award for work about Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, whose death in 1282 ended Welsh independence.

She came across his story in her Welsh course, and was inspired to write an essay, a poem and a letter.

"Llywelyn's period, and his history, are very interesting, and I admire him greatly because he fought for his country," she said.

Competition judges Lynne Mortell and Enfys Thomas said all the entries they received deserved praise.

The learners were asked to do three of the following: an article or essay, a dialogue, a letter, a short story, a poem or a review and to record a tape of a natural conversation referring to the competitor's background.

Depth

The judges said Rachel's work fully deserved the first prize, primarily because of the depth and maturity it displayed.

They said her love for Welsh was evident in her work, she had the ability to use the language for different purposes, and her written work was very polished.

"I can't imagine life without Welsh now", said Rachel, who is studying English, religious education, history and Welsh at Cardiff High School and now plans to study history in Bristol.

Rachael, whose father is English and whose mother is from Cardiff, said she was delighted by the development and increase of the Welsh language in the capital city.

The second prize went to Gavin Williams from Caldicot School, Monmouthshire, and Samantha Louise Gray from Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy, Llanrwst, came third.

Abergele lawyer Dylan Jones presented the prize, together with �200 of financial help to further improve the winner's Welsh.

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