A new Welsh-medium baby and toddler group will be launched at Tycroes as part of a project to ensure a million Welsh speakers by 2050.

The launch of Cylch Ti a Fi Tycroes, suitable for children from birth to school age, gives local parents an opportunity to meet staff and take part in a free session at St Edmund’s Church Hall on Ammanford Road between 9.15 am and midday this Thursday, June 7 in the company of Dewin, Mudiad Meithrin’s unique children’s character.

Following the launch, Cylch Ti a Fi Tycroes will be open every Thursday between 9.15 am and 11am until Thursday, July 19 before re-opening its doors at the start of September.

The launch comes as part of a Mudiad Meithrin project to offer additional support to establish new Cylchoedd Meithrin (Welsh-medium playgroups) where there is a lack of Welsh-medium early years provision.

Carole Williams, the project’s Carmarthenshire officer, said: “The Cylch Ti a Fi offers activities that helps child development from birth to when they reach school age.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for parents or guardians to meet and share experiences and socialise in a Welsh environment.”

Mudiad Meithrin is a voluntary organisation which aims to give every young child in Wales the opportunity to benefit from early years services and experiences through the medium of Welsh.

When Mudiad Meithrin was established in 1971 the Census figures noted that year that the number of children aged between three and four years old who could speak Welsh was 11.3 per cent.

By the 2011 Census, this figure had doubled to 23.3 per cent.

Cllr Tina Higgins said: "“I am delighted to welcome the Cylch Ti a Fi to Tycroes.

"Cylch Ti a Fi offers an essential start to young children through the medium of Welsh in a fun environment. I’d encourage those with young children to take up this opportunity.

"I’d like to offer my thanks to everyone who has worked hard to get this project off the ground and wish it every success.”

According to Heather Davies-Rollinson, Mudiad Meithrin’s South-West and Mid Wales Regional Manager, the hope is that establishing the Cylch Ti a Fi at Tycroes will lead on to a Cylch Meithrin opening there in the autumn.

Heather said: “The aim is to open a Cylch Meithrin in Tycroes and provide an early years service for the children of the local community.”