Links to all four shortlisted contestants.Since it was launched 17 years ago, the Welsh Learner of the Year competition has become one of the highlights of the National Eisteddfod week.
The prize is awarded not only for people's achievements in learning the language but also for their contribution to local life through the medium of Welsh.
There were more than twenty hopefuls in 2003 and of the four who made it to the final shortlist, three were born in England but each one has close connections with Mid Wales.
The judges made their final decision on Wednesday 6 August and awarded the prestigious title to Mike Hughes who was born in England but has made his home in Carno, a mere fifteen miles from the Eisteddfod field.
Click on the links below to read more about Mike and the other three runners up.
'Welsh was a hobby for me'
'Learning Welsh isn't easy'
'I decided to learn Welsh for two reasons.'
'There was a part of me missing'
your comments
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We try to publish as many comments as we can but unfortunately, due to the volume of comments we receive every day, we cannot guarantee that all comments submitted will be published
Neil Wyn Jones from Merseyside
It's always inspiring to read about others doing so well at the language. I have been learning for a couple of years now and am hooked. It has always been something I knew I would do, though I have the advantage of learning a bit as an infant thanks to my Mum perservering in speaking Welsh to us as children. Growing up in Merseyside though meant I'd forgotten most by the age of six. I can really relate to Aran's comments about it feeling like a part of him was missing, and I know this time I will stick at it.
Caroline Kaye from Merseyside
I am learning Welsh, mostly by myself with books, tapes, the BBC 'Learn Welsh' website etc. I'm English and only have one relative who is Welsh, but so what? I was born about 20 miles from the border of Wales. Indirectly, Welsh has been a part of my life as a Merseysider. We are neighbours! Always remember that Welsh is probably Britain's oldest language and is worth learning and preserving for that reason and, of course, other more emotional reasons. I fell in love with the sound of the language and feel that it's extremely useful to use when in Wales. It also shows a bit of respect which is sadly lacking amongst some non-Welsh speakers. (Not just the English!) Sometimes I find it difficult but I'm determined to learn, and there's always someone to ask. Advice? Use the internet, and use a variety of materials to keep it interesting. Get hold of 'real' Welsh material (Golwg, Yr Herald etc) and read. Alternate between difficult and easy material, listen to Radio Cymru - especially news, weather and drama. Log onto Welshlearners on Yahoo, and visit the chatroom, you can learn Welsh in ANY part of the world! If you are in the UK you can get 'Lingo Newydd' magazine from Golwg as well. I would count learning Welsh as one of the BEST things I've ever done, it's opened up many, many things to me. Good luck to you! Pob Lwc i chi!
David Hill in China
I have been studying Welsh back home in Cardiff for a little under a year now, and am continuing my studies the best I can in the Far East, although there aren't any speakers of the tongue here. When I started to learn Welsh, it seemed natural and I am glad I decided to make the investment. I think that because of the lessons I had in a school as a child I haven't found it as hard as many others and I am also very lucky in that I have a number of friends who are fluent speakers of the language. I hope that many new learners enjoy the experience, and don't just give up on the idea a few months (or weeks) into it.
Karen Richards, Lansing, Michigan USA
I fell in love with the Welsh language the first time I heard it. I have been trying on my own, with help from BBC's Catchphrase...to learn to speak it. I wish I had someone to talk with in Welsh; it would benefit me to hear it spoken more often.
Have you ever tried to learn Welsh? Did you find it difficult? Have you got any tips for other learners? Add your experiences here.
