Five schools in Penarth, as part of the eleven schools in the Vale of Glamorgan, were recently presented with the Welsh Language Charter Award at a ceremony at the All Nations Centre.

The Cymraeg Campus Language Charter is the first of its kind, designed by the Education through Regional Working to develop the Welsh language in English medium schools.

The charter consists of three awards – bronze, silver and gold – or efydd, arian and aur. Schools aim to complete the awards over a three-year period. Each award comprises of ten targets which increase in difficulty as the schools progress.

Ysgol Dewi Sant, Ysgol Sant Baruc, Ysgol Pen y Garth and Ysgol Bro Morgannwg all succeeded in gaining the silver 'arian' award.

St David's Church in Wales, Albert Primary, Cogan Primary, Dinas Powys Primary, Fairfield Primary, Cowbridge Primary and Colcot Primary schools obtained the bronze 'efydd' award.

Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett, praised the schools involved: "It's brilliant to see staff and pupils at our English medium schools embrace and develop the Welsh language in this way.

"These awards demonstrate their commitment to supporting an understanding of the Welsh language and culture."