A DIGITAL communication tool has helped the student of a Pontypool Welsh language tutor become a learner of the year at the Learn Welsh Gwent awards.

Carole Bradbury, a tutor at Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool campus, has been teaching Elizabeth Liney from Hatfield the Welsh language over Skype.

Mrs Liney, who was originally from Merthyr Tydfil, moved to England in the 60s to attend Brunel University in London but re-connected with the Welsh language three years ago.

Together with her tutor, who also claimed the Tutor of the Year award, she started learning Welsh via Skype from her home in Hertfordshire.

Geraint Wilson-Price, the director of Learn Welsh Gwent at Coleg Gwent, said: “We’re thrilled at both Carole and Elizabeth’s success – proof that distance is no obstacle for learning Welsh.”

Mrs Liney has recently successfully passed her WJEC Canolradd – intermediate – Welsh exam and now works as a Welsh tutor herself, running her own class for the University of the Third Age in Hertfordshire.

The director of Learn Welsh Gwent praised the tutor for helping her student claim the title.

Mr Wilson-Price added: “Carole is a very experienced and dependable tutor who takes a variety of classes, including weekly sessions, weekend courses, day schools and more recently Skype lessons.”

Other winners from Gwent include Mark and Theresa Rowe, a Blackwood couple who were awarded the prize in the Welsh for the Family learner of the year award category.

The first couple to win this award, the Pontllanffraith pair began their journey two years ago at Ysgol Gymraeg Penallta primary school.

Their decision to learn the language arose as they wanted to support their grandchild who attends Ysgol Gymraeg Trelyn, Pengam.

The couple were nominated by their tutor, who said their passion and commitment to learning the language and immersing themselves in Welsh culture is inspiring and infectious within the classroom.

Coleg Gwent runs Welsh courses across Gwent on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, a new organisation responsible for the Welsh for Adults learning and education programmes.

For further information on Learning Welsh via Skype, contact Learn Welsh Gwent on 01495 333710 or go to learnwelsh.cymru.