A photographer from Llanbedrog has won the £2,000 Young Artist Scholarship at the Urdd National Eisteddfod.

Dafydd Llŷr Hughes began taking photos of the Llŷn Peninsula during lockdown and is preparing to start a degree at Falmouth University in Cornwall this Autumn.

Judges described the 19 year-old's winning portfolio was a "tribute to his local area" with "enchanting images".

Dafydd, who attended Ysgol Llanbedrog and Ysgol Botwnnog, recently completed a course in ecology and conservation at Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire, after spending a year at Glynllifon College near Caernarfon, where he studied forestry.

"At first, I was taking pictures of the amazing scenery that we have in Pen Llŷn – the beaches of Llanbedrog, Porth Neigwl, and the wildlife that lives there", he said.

"I love being outdoors, and my other interests, such as fishing and surfing, reflect this passion. I am looking forward to starting my studies in September."

"I would like to thank the Urdd for the opportunity, through the scholarship, to be able to realise my goal of inspiring people through my photography to enjoy and respect the natural world."

The judges for the Young Artist Scholarship, which enables the winner to follow a course at a recognised art school or college or provide support in pursuing a career, were Nicola Gibson, visitor experience manager at Oriel Môn in Llangefni and Diana Williams, a former arts lecturer at Bangor University.

They said: "The winner captivated us, not only with his portfolio but also with his infectious passion and genuine love for the work. He pays tribute to his local area by presenting enchanting images."

"He is a dedicated conservationist with a passion for biodiversity and protecting habitats. There was a story behind every piece and the sensitivity of the work, along with the many hours spent capturing a single image, was astonishing."

"Dafydd has a purposeful and ambitious future ahead. He's an accomplished master of his craft who will continue to develop from strength to strength. We look forward to following his career and artistic development."

The runner-up was Dyfed Childs of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, Machynlleth and third place went to Moli Prendergast of Coleg Menai, Bangor.

The scholarship is funded via the family of the late Dr Dewi Davies and the trophy is presented in memory of Owen and Manon Griffiths.

Lleucu-Haf Thomas from Crymych, Pembrokeshire, won the Art, Design and Technology medal.

The 17 year-old, who chairs her local Aelwyd branch, is currently in the first year of sixth form at Ysgol Bro Preseli, where she is studying music, drama and Welsh.

She said: "As a girl living in the countryside, it means the world to me to be able to share the craft of working with and weaving straw, to show the process of gathering the material from the field, cutting and drying it, and then creating something."

"The process of creating and weaving with straw is something that is very personal to me. I think of an idea and then I plan, develop and create it over many hours."

"I feel passionate about keeping old traditions alive, and I would like to thank Aeres James from Sir Benfro for introducing me to the rare skill of straw weaving back in 2020, and for all the encouragement and inspiration."

Lleucu-Haf's work, a striking harp sculpture, was cosidered the most promising among the winners of the national arts competitions in the Year 10 and under 19s group.

The seven-strong judging panel said: "The work was striking, skilful, and polished. It has been expertly crafted and is original and contemporary. Here is a master of their craft, and it's brilliant to see a traditional craft taking the top spot this year."

The Medal is presented in memory of Andrew Southall.