NEWPORT residents say they were thrilled and inspired by last week's National Eisteddfod at Tredegar Park.

Student Kelly Amos, 18, of Prince Street, Maindee, said: "It's better than I thought it was going to be. It's an event that's friendly towards English-speakers.

"It was easy enough to get around and I remember Welsh basicsfrom school. I would even travel to North Wales to visit a future Eisteddfod."

Kate Henson, 27, a support worker of Beechwood, said: "My cousin was in a theatre group so I doubt I would've come otherwise. But it was fantastic. I didn't approach some of the stalls because they were completely in Welsh and that put me off."

Mark Thomas, 44, a production supervisor from Bettws, said: "I didn't feel alienated and I expected Welsh to be the main language. I didn't bring my two smallest children but for me it was an excellent day. It's good to see that Wales has got a bit of culture."

Holly Taylor, 14, a pupil at Bettws Comprehensive, said: "I feel as though I've neglected my Welsh language and will try a bit harder in future. It's inspired me. I had a great day and took part in a dance."

Viv Michael, 69, of Westfield Way, Malpas, a voluntary worker at St Anne's Hospice, said: "I understand quite a bit of Welsh but don't speak it too well. I used to go to the Eisteddfod as a kid but it was never this big. I'd recommend it to anyone as a great day out."

Company director Linda Cresswell, of Dewsland Park Road, said: "It's good for Newport and I found it OK to speak to people in English. It felt like being in a foreign country! The organisation was very good and so was the parking. It seemed a shame not to visit when you live up the road."

Louise Bray, 34, of Maindee, said: "I couldn't find a book of Welsh nursery rhymes anywhere. I want my son to learn Welsh so I stocked up on flash-cards and lullaby tapes. There were so many stalls."

Lee Phillips, 28, of Medway Road, Bettws, spent more than £35 bringing his family to the Maes. He said: "I heard about it on TV and wanted to see what it was like. I don't speak Welsh but would like to now. We had a fun day wandering around. There were plenty of freebies to keep the kids happy."

l The last results for Saturday - third place in Solo stepping for boys was Huw Williams, of Pontypool.

The winner of the personal project in the learners' tent was Kiroless Saba, Newport.

The winner of the collection of various work in the learners' tent was Natasha Ruth Watson, of Cil-Y-Coed, Monmouthshire.