Monmouth has won two awards for the Children's Language Festival held in the town in July.

Recognition came at a ceremony at the European Commission in Brussels last week.

Jan Truszczynski, the Director General for Education and Culture, presented festival organiser Ceri Poyelle a Piccolingo award for her hard work promoting the message behind the campaign.

Mayor of Monmouth Gerry Bright also picked up an award recognising Monmouth Town Council's support of the event.

Monmouth was given the honour of representing the UK in the Piccolingo campaign for early language learning.

The aim is to raise awareness among parents that the pre-school years are a crucial time for introducing children to another language and the Piccolingo European tour saw events organised in cities including Milan and Athens.

Judges praised the community spirit behind the Monmouth event and the range of fun activities on offer at the Children's Language Festival.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have won," said Ceri, founder of the 'Sur le pont' language school in Monmouth.

For full story see Beacon 12/10/11.