Day one of the Urdd National Eisteddfod at Mona medals saw the main prizes for Welsh learners take centre stage.

Katie Baddiley, originally from Nottingham, won the Bobi Jones Medal (19-25 year olds) while Caerwyn Saunders from Treorchy won the Medal y Dysgwyr for under 19s.

Both prizes acknowledge individuals who are committed to learning Welsh, who passionately promote the Welsh language and can hold a conversation in Welsh.

The judges for the medals were Eirian Wyn Conlon and 2019 Medal y Dysgwyr winner Francesca Sciarrillo - and the ceremony was sponsored by the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

Bobi Jones Medal

The Bobi Jones Medal is awarded to an individual aged 19-25 who demonstrates their use of the Welsh language on a day-to-day basis by answering questions about their reasons for learning the language, the impact learning Welsh has had on their lives, and their hopes for the future.

In a competition of exceptionally high standard, with seven competitors and "each one an inspiration" according to the judges, Katie Baddiley was awarded the winning title.

Katie is originally from Nottingham and began learning Welsh in 2023 when she moved to Bangor to study at the University. She is a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who works in the Nantlle Valley and lives in Caernarfon.

She now lives her whole life through the medium of Welsh, after becoming a new Welsh speaker in a short period of time. She's keen to help other learners on their own journeys.

Katie said: "I feel strongly that anyone working with the public in a Welsh-speaking area should show respect by making the effort to learn and to speak Welsh within that community."

"I've been fortunate enough to attend a course at Nant Gwrtheyrn and to be given learning opportunities through my work. I enjoy singing in Welsh with the North Wales Police choir."

"One day I would love to raise children who are fluent in Welsh and perhaps even write a column in Welsh for my local community paper!"

Caitlin Brunt from Newtown was runner-up with Georgia Jones from Wrexham in third place.

Medal y Dysgwyr

It's 40 years since the Medal y Dysgwyr was first presented, at the 1986 Urdd Eisteddfod in the Ogwen Valley.

Then as now, it's awarded to a young person between year 10 and under the age of 19 who can demonstrate how they use the language on a day-to-day basis at school, college, or work and socially.

The judges said that all the candidates were "special ambassadors for the Welsh language, and it's fair to say that the language is in safe hands of these new Wesh speakers."

The winner was Caerwyn Saunders from Trerochy, a pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Treorci and an active member of the Urdd, where he volunteers and competes regularly.

He is chair of the Welsh language group (Criw Cymraeg) at his school and is very proud to be a school ambassador for Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

He said: "The Urdd has opened the door to a completely new world for me, and I've been lucky to be inspired every day by amazing teachers at my school in Treorchy, especially Mrs James, who works tirelessly to promote the Welsh language at our school."

"I would like to be a Welsh teacher in the future – to inspire others to keep the language alive. Welsh belongs to everyone – and I'm determined to spread that message.

Jayden Reaney from Chester was awarded second place with Effie Capstick from Holyhead in third place.

The Bobi Jones Medal is given by Cildwrn Chapel / Aelwyd, and the Medal y Dysgwyr is given by the 1957 National Eisteddfod Fund Committee.