Pembrokeshire's 'Welsh Learner of the Year' was announced at a ceremony at Preseli Community Learning Centre in Crymych.

The new award has been launched by Learning Pembrokeshire - the adult education programme run by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The joint winners were Marc Nicholas, of Tenby, and Alan Thomas, of Haverfordwest.

They were given a piece of bluestone (carreg las) and oak from Pembrokeshire by S4C presenter Mari Grug, of Mynacholog Ddu, who congratulated them on their wonderful achievement.

Marc and Alan beat off competition from seven other excellent shortlisted learners, all of whom were interviewed in Welsh earlier in the day.

The ceremony at Preseli Community Learning Centre also included the presentation of WJEC Welsh for Adults certificates to over 70 Welsh learners.

Clr. Huw George, cabinet member with responsibility for the Welsh language in Pembrokeshire, praised the learners for their achievement and their enthusiasm to learn Welsh.

He noted that there was an ever increasing demand for Welsh language classes in Pembrokeshire and that this year alone, over 100 adults are taking WJEC Welsh examinations.

The Welsh learners have followed courses through Learning Pembrokeshire at various local community centres, with levels ranging from beginners through to advanced.

Due to the response from learners and the high standard of the nominees, the event will be run again next year, with the winner being announced during the 2012 Adults Learners Week.

Further information on courses can be found by contacting Community Learning Centres across Pembrokeshire, or view http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/learningpembrokeshire">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/learningpembrokeshire