Welsh language and history enters Minecraft world

A popular computer game is being used to give children across Wales a chance to explore some of the country's historic sites.

The makers of Minecraft have teamed up with Welsh historic monuments body Cadw and Ysgol Pennant in Powys to provide a bilingual version of the game which will be available for free to all Welsh schools.

Conwy Castle, which dates back to the 13th Century, is the first site to be featured, with a further 19 Welsh historic sites due to become available over the next 18 months.

"It really does bring those things together - the excitement of the game but also the excitement of understanding and learning about our past," said Cadw boss Gwilym Hughes.

For the first time, children will be able to use Minecraft entirely in Welsh.

Manon Jones, a teacher at Ysgol Pennant, helped with the translation and pupils at the school were the first to trial the new game.

"We've been using Minecraft in the school in different subjects, such as history, language and the children really enjoy using it," said Ms Jones.

"It's a fun, immersive way to learn about a range of different things."

She said the development of the Welsh language version was "really exciting".

"Not only is Minecraft now available in our first language but the project of bringing sites in Wales alive has been such an exciting part of their education... it's been brilliant."

Having learned so much about Conwy Castle through the Minecraft game, pupils from Ysgol Pennant visited the castle itself for the game's official launch.

"It's very nice that we can help them to see if the game works and it's nice that it's in Welsh as well," said Enfys, as she toured the castle with her friends.

"It's amazing and really fun," added Sienna.

"Some children don't really talk English and it can help a lot with their education and it can also help the people that are learning Welsh."