A BLACKWOOD woman is through to the finals of a Welsh learning competition after taking up the language at the age of 36.

Helen Price, 41, beat off competition from 28 other entrants from Wales, England, Patagonia and Belgium to reach the final four of this year's National Eisteddfod's Welsh Learner of the Year competition.

She will now go on to compete for the coveted title at August's festival in Ebbw Vale.

During a tense day of competition held on May 8 at Ysgol Glyncoed in Ebbw Vale, she was interviewed in Welsh by a panel of judges about her experience of learning the language, why she took it up and where she came from.

Ms Price signed up to a Welsh evening class five years ago because she had learnt a few words through her grandfather but never got the chance to take the language onto A level at school.

Her son, Dafydd, 13, helped her with her learning because he speaks Welsh everyday at Fleur de Lys Welsh medium school Ysgol Gyfwm Cwm Rhymni, where he is a pupil.

She said: "He helped me with my spoken Welsh and I could help him with his grammar.

"It's been challenging and hard work but it's very, very fulfilling."

The other finalists Ms Price will take on in the final are Shirley Cottam from Aberystwyth, Julia Hawkins from Crickhowell and Dai Williams from Ystalyfera.

The winner will receive a trophy designed by stained glass artist Angelina Hall from Penarth and donated by the Gwent Welsh for Adults Centre.