MONMOUTHSHIRE welcomed a Californian primary school teacher and creative writer, who won a trip of a lifetime to the UK.

Adaeze Uyanwah was chosen from 10,000 people to become London's official guest of honour, winning a two-week VIP trip to Britain, meeting famous faces and visiting iconic attractions.

As part of the prize and to see what the rest of the UK has to offer beyond London, Visit Wales invited Adaeze to visit Monmouthshire's sites.

Her departure from Paddington Station was to the sound of Eschoir, the young Welsh male choir who sang for David Cameron during the NATO Summit.

During her trip, she visited Llanthony Priory and met with Welsh poet, author and scriptwriter Owen Sheers.

Llansantffraed Court Hotel was selected to host Adaeze for her stay and the hotel's head chef Mike Hendry treated her to a six-course tasting menu made with locally sourced ingredients.

The 24 year old also met with an astrologer for some stargazing and was invited to plant a rare fig tree in the hotel's newly restored walled kitchen garden.

The remainder of her trip included a tour around Wimbledon with Tim Henman, a visit to The Science Museum with Stephen Hawking and an evening at the ballet with Darcey Bussell.

Adaeze, who travelled with her mum Faye, said: "I cannot express how excited and happy I am. Winning this competition feels like a dream come true – like something out of "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory".

Mike Morgan, owner of Llansantffraed Court Hotel said: "We were delighted to welcome Adaeze to Monmouthshire. It is a truly beautiful place, full of historical sites, fantastic food and stunning landscapes.

"Wales has so much to offer, and we're proud that we were chosen to show off the best of the county to Adaeze and her mum in such a short space of time. We're looking forward to welcoming her back soon."

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: "I'm delighted that Adaeze has been able to take a break from the city to see what Wales has to offer."