THE story of how a London action man became a fluent Welsh speaker is being used to raise valuable funds for next year's National Eisteddfod.

John Morris, who lives in Coed y Glyn, Wrexham, is a regular on several Welsh language shows and boasts a CV that includes time as a motivational speaker,headteacher, fitness coach with the Welsh Rugby Union and long-term weightlifting coach in Caia Park.

But what viewers tuning into S4C might not realise is that John is originally from London – and when he speaks English he still sounds like someone who knows the East End like the back of his hand.

The transformation from Cockney to Welshman is the basis of a talk John is offering to groups and societies across the area to support the 2011 Eisteddfod, to be held in Wrexham.

He said: “I grew up in London but had a Welsh background. Above all, the talk will focus on events and people that influenced my efforts to cross the bridge from being a Cockney to a Welsh speaker.

“There will be audience participation and interaction with an emphasis on refection through humorous events.

“The talk can be given in Welsh or English. It would be most suited to groups of between 20 to 60 people.

“I'm prepared to travel anywhere throughout North and Mid Wales and as far as Merseyside.”

For more details email John at jtmorris_@hotmail.com.