Aberystwyth University has honoured four people for their contribution to the Welsh language.

The winners of the Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Awards for 2021 are Kate Wright, Annette Edwards, Llyr Tomos and Elin Roach after they were nominated by the university’s staff and students.

Kate Wright, who was awarded the prize for Exceptional Learner (Staff), first heard the Welsh language as a child, and started learning the language with her father before going on a family holiday to Wales. Originally from Tamworth, in the West Midlands, Kate moved to Aberystwyth as a student in 1992 to study History at the University.

While a student, she started attending classes to learn Welsh and, after graduating, began working at the Thomas Parry Library where she continued to learn the language. Currently Learning and Teaching Enhancement Unit Manager at the University, Kate uses Welsh on a daily basis at work and continues to attend a Workplace Welsh class regularly.

Annette Edwards, who won the Promoting Welsh in the Workplace award, is originally from the Pontrhydfendigaid area.

Annette started working at Aberystwyth University in 1994 and is now Academic Staff Development Theme Leader for the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Unit.

She has been promoting the Welsh language at the University for many years, including being a mentor to Welsh learners at the university.

Llyr Tomos, who scooped the Welsh Medium Study prize, was a student in the Department of Law and Criminology studying a degree in Criminology and Applied Psychology before graduating during the summer of 2021.

He is currently considering completing a Masters course ahead of a career with the police force in Wales.

Elen Roach, who was named Welsh Language Champion (Student), has just completed her degree course studying Professional Welsh.

Inspired by a teacher at Ysgol y Preseli, she decided to attend Aberystwyth to study Welsh.

During her time at the university, Elen has been active in promoting the Welsh language and has been an enthusiastic ambassador promoting the university to prospective students at events.

As part of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol scheme, she mentored Welsh students, working with Year 9 pupils in Aberaeron, and also mentored first year students at the university in addition to being the Chair of UMCA.

Each of the winners will receive a personal ‘Englyn’ from either Prof Mererid Hopwood or Eurig Salisbury from the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies.

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Director of Welsh Language and External Engagement, said: “Many congratulations to the winners, and to all who have been recognised for their efforts during the past year.

“It is a pleasure to be able to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of staff and students, and be inspired by their endeavours to embrace and support the use of Welsh within the university.”