A Pembrokeshire man who became disabled following a hit-and-run incident says learning Welsh has given him a new lease of life. Albie Abbott, aged 51, took up the language eight years ago after moving from Berkshire to West Wales. Albie, who lives in Y Glog, Llanfyrnach, broke his back in the crash 20 years ago and as a result had to give up his beloved job working with race horses. Learning to speak Welsh has given Albie a new direction in his life, and now the dad-of-two and grandfather-of-four is a finalist in this year's prestigious Welsh Learner of the Year competition. Albie says his decision to learn Welsh was sparked by the fact only three or four families in the whole of his village were English-speaking. Albie, and his wife Dee, enrolled on the intensive Welsh course Wlpan for four years in Crymych, and progressed through the Uwch and Meistrioli stages. Albie went on to sit A Level Welsh, however both are now qualified part time Welsh for Adults tutors for Carmarthenshire County Council. Furthermore, the couple run five meetings a month for Welsh learners in both Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, organise walks and pub quizzes, help women's group Merched Y Wawr and Albie even writes a monthly column in the Papur Bro (local paper), Y Cardi Bach. Albie, who is also teaching his 30-year-old twin daughters Sabrina and Samantha to speak Welsh, said: "Learning Welsh has definitely helped me with my recovery process. Before I started I had no hobbies or interests, but the language has given me such a boost. I get out and about now doing different things with language and I absolutely love it. "When we moved to the area we realised just how much Welsh was spoken so we set about learning it straight away as we wanted to converse with the locals in their own tongue. "Although we still struggle with pronunciations, especially with the many vowels, I'd say we're fairly fluent. I try not to concentrate too much on the grammatical side of the language, but more on the speaking, because for me that's the most important bit. "When Welsh people find out that we're learning the language they're always so proud of us and that means a lot to me." Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Skills, John Griffiths, who also is a Welsh learner, has praised Albie for his achievement. Mr. Griffiths said: "There has never been a better time to lean Welsh as there are so many different ways to get started. "I am learning Welsh myself and I'm finding it stimulating and really very useful." Albie added: "I was completely shocked when I found out I was a finalist in the Welsh Learner of the Year competition. When we went to the preliminary rounds in North Wales, I just thought we'd have some lunch and then turn round and come home. I had no idea I'd get through, but I'm really pleased."