A STUDENT spoke of his joy after going from speaking no Welsh to completing all of his exams in the language.

Towards the end of primary school, Oliver Wright from Mold had received all of his education up to that point in English.

It was only when he took part in an immersion course at his new secondary school, Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, that he began to learn it.

Now, after an entire secondary education in Welsh, 18-year-old Oliver is encouraging others to do the same after collecting his A-level results and making plans for university.

The former Ysgol Rhos Helyg pupil said: "When I was in year six I did six weeks of Welsh lessons.

"It was challenging some days but it was really fun and you're pushed every single day in a way to improve your Welsh."

Yesterday he was delighted to find he achieved an A, 2 C's and a D in his A-Levels and is planning to study chemistry at Bangor University.

Speaking of the journey he has made he said: "I'm very proud. Sometimes it is hard to believe when I wake up in the morning.

"I received the Euryn Williams Award this year - he was a Welsh teacher here at Maes Garmon a few years ago.

"In his memory the award was dedicated to the most improved learner who has given the most effort in school life.My family are ecstatic. I was really surprised."

After university Oliver is considering looking for work in a chemistry laboratory, possibly in the field of research.

He encouraged anyone thinking about learning Welsh to "go for it" - adding: "There's no reason not to. If you believe you can do it. It's not an inhibition whatsoever."