A CALDICOT pupil has won the Welsh Learner of the Year award at the Urdd Eisteddfod.

Jennifer Haley, of Undy, Monmouthshire is a sixth form pupil at Caldicot School and won the medal at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod in Bala on Tuesday. Jennifer was born and raised in Newport and is the only one in her family home who speaks Welsh.

She gives the credit for entering the competition this year to her Welsh teacher at her school where she is currently studying history, Welsh and Welsh Baccalaureate for her A Levels. The medal was presented to Jennifer under her pseudonym ‘Siwan’ and the task for all competitors was writing any three forms of literature and prepare a recorded conversation to be sent to the judges.

One of her written pieces focuses on a well-known character from the Eisteddfod area, Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards, the Urdd founder. Jennifer produced personal letters between him and his cousin in an approachable, conversational style, according to the Judges.

Judges Jane Nicholas and Beryl Davies were tasked with adjudicating the five competitors on he Eisteddfod’s pavilion stage, said: “Siwan spoke enthusiastically at the interview and proved that she has reached a good standard considering that she only began speaking the language in year seven. She fully deserves this award.”

Sophie Squibbs, also from Caldicot School came in second place.