A BLACKWOOD Welsh learner was pipped to the prize of Welsh Learner of the Year.

Helen Price was one of three runners-up behind the winner Julia Hawkins from Crickhowell.

The mother-of-three was announced as winner at a ceremony at Llanhilleth Institute yesterday.

She earned a £300 prize donated by the Gwent Welsh Learners' centre.

The centre gave a further £100 each to the three runners-up.