A FAMILY from St Dogmaels is celebrating 10 years of Cyw - S4C’s Welsh language television service for young children - in Australia.

Over the years S4C’s ground-breaking children’s service has produced award-winning shows and brought joy to thousands of young viewers not only in Wales but across the world.

In this digital age families as far and wide as Australia, America and South Korea are watching Cyw to keep the connection with the homeland and the language for their children.

Originally from St Dogmaels, Hywel Griffith moved with his wife Gwenfair and their two children to Australia over two years ago. As a family they wanted to ensure their children carried on speaking Welsh so watching Cyw regularly certainly helps.

“Welsh is Hywel and mine's first language, so Welsh is the natural language of the home,” said Gewnfair.

“In deciding to move here for a period, it was very important for both of us that our children also continued to speak the language too, and learn about their culture and heritage.

“Teilo is now four and a half and Llywelyn will be three in July and watching Cyw's programmes daily has helped keep the connection with their roots in Wales - and has also enriched their vocabulary.

“We watch Cyw in every way we can - mainly through dvds and the internet, and when that is not enough to satisfy them we also listen to Cyw's songs and read the books."

Sioned Wyn Roberts, S4C's children's content Commissioner, said, "Children have been captivated by Cyw and friends since 2008. Generations of young viewers have enjoyed endless hours of play, laughter and learning but a decade later we’ve seen Cyw’s influence expand far beyond the screen.

“One of the services great attributes has been its ability to adapt – we now develop programmes that respond to the national curriculum and as a result the service is used widely by schools.

“Cyw and friends are featured on teachers’ learning resources, making the service a central part of home and school life.

“There are books, apps, educational toys and merchandise which are loved and cherished by little hands across the country and beyond.

“When Cyw first aired I don’t think anyone realised the impact it would have and ten years on we’re proud to see it going from strength to strength.”

A special birthday show took place at the Urdd Eisteddfod, while a nationwide birthday party celebration at schools and Cylch Meithrin groups will take this month, along with a series of special concerts with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in August.