Cash boost for Cornish language

The Chough is the symbol of the county of Cornwall

Support for the Cornish language has received a boost with the announcement of £80,000 of government funding.

It is an endorsement of the Cornish Language Strategy developed after it was given official recognition in 2002.

The minister for local government said the funding was a commitment to protect and promote the Cornish language.

Phil Woolas said: "Languages are part of our history, our culture and our identity. It is right that we should nurture the Cornish language."

It's the best news for 100 years since Henry Jenner produced the first handbook of the Cornish language Rod Lyon, Cornish Gorseth

The £80,000 will provide the match funding needed to support Cornwall County Council's application for Objective One funding.

Mr Woolas said the strategy provided a realistic and reasonable vision for the development of the Cornish language over the next 25 years.

Gorseth Kernow (Cornish Gorseth) said the government funding was excellent news.

Diverse cultures

The group promotes Cornish traditions and honours people who have made outstanding contributions to the culture, history and language of the county.

Rod Lyon, the Grand Bard, told BBC News: "It's great news. In fact it's the best news for 100 years since Henry Jenner produced the first handbook of the Cornish language."

The announcement has also been welcomed by Cornish MP Andrew George, who led the campaign for Cornish to be added to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Last month Mr George, the Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives, swore his allegiance to the Queen in Cornish.

He said: "This is very encouraging news. We've moved a long way since I first introduced the Cornish language to Commons proceedings in 1997.

"Cornwall can once again celebrate the fact that it is part of the diverse cultures, languages and histories of the country."