A new award scheme for companies who offer excellent Welsh language services will be launched by TV presenter Angharad Mair and members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg in Carmarthen today.The initiative is a new direction for the society which has traditionally focused on campaigning against large corporations who provide no or very few bilingual services. Under the scheme, members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will assess the standard of local firms services. Small companies who support local produce and provide a high standard of Welsh language service will be eligible for the awards.

Broadcaster Angharad Mair will join members of the society to launch the awards at the jewellers Trysor in Carmarthen, which is the first company to received one of the awards.Presenting the first "Caru'r Gymraeg" award, Sioned Elin, Chair of the Carmarthenshire Rhanbarth of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, will say:"This is an exciting initiative and it's part of our plan as a society to take more positive steps to promote the use of Welsh in the community. While there are many companies who ignore Welsh, especially big international businesses, it's important that the small local companies who do think about the local community are rewarded.""We have always organised events to promote the use of Welsh in the community, from gigs to other social activites, this is another way to push the agenda forward."We as a society are looking for other opportunities to support good practise in the future. The Welsh language is a treasure for everyone in Wales - whether they speak Welsh or not. So we want to make a positive effort to praise small local companies, who play a part in keeping the language alive. "TV presenter Angharad Mair added:"I'm delighted to have the opportunity to take part in Cymdeithas' positive and innovative scheme. It's easy enough for us all to complain, so it's great to have the chance to give praise today. It's a chance for everyone in Wales to make a difference and support the Welsh language in their communities. It's so important that we all play our part in promoting the use of Welsh in our day-to-day lives."Tina Wilson from the jewellers Trysor in Carmarthen added:"We're very happy to receive this award from Cymdeithas yr Iaith which recognises our efforts as a small independent shop with limited resources. We're very happy to offer a Welsh language service, and it's natural to do so. It's vital that we keep a Welsh language presence on the high street, and keep a Welsh feel in our towns."