A woman who has learnt Welsh across the Vale of Glamorgan has spoken of the benefits it can have.

Ann Hysbys has gained more than just linguistic skills, experiencing unique opportunities to travel, connect with an international community, and delve into Welsh culture and history.

Rather than staying put in classrooms in Penarth, Sully, and Barry, Ms Hysbys's studies took her to various locations including the Old Hall, Cowbridge, and the Dyffryn Gardens.

When logistics denied mobility, she's engaged in Zoom sessions with Welsh learners worldwide, observing both Welsh expatriates holding on to their origins and new learners beginning interest through language apps like Duolingo.

However, textbooks and tutors barely scratch the surface of her learning journey.

Ms Hysbys endorses the social aspect of the learning process, which her tutors have graciously enabled by organising trips in the summer.

Favourites include Saint Fagans, where learners interact with museum staff and consume bilingual information.

This summer, a few groups visited Pontypridd's Ynys Angharad Park ahead of the National Eisteddfod.

An opportunity they couldn't let slip, to visit the national anthem's birthplace.

Another excursion led her to Nantgarw's Chinaworks, where the history descriptions afforded learners additional chances to practise their language skills.

Ms Hysbys's journey reveals the vibrant perks of learning Welsh: meeting new people, exploring past narratives, and seeing the world through the colourful prism of a different language.

Welsh learning in the Vale of Glamorgan is available for just £50 with the code WELSH24.

Additional details about the programme can be found on the Learn Welsh website.