Welsh language nursery TV begins

A new Welsh language television channel aimed at nursery age children has gone on air on S4C's digital channel.

It extends the channel's nursery provision to broadcast six-and-a-half hours on week days.

Cyw, which is Welsh for chick, is the first phase in S4C's plans to introduce a separate Welsh language service.

S4C is due to become a stand-alone Welsh-language channel after digital switchover, with no programmes being re-broadcast from Channel 4.

Cyw will begin broadcasting from Monday morning and is accompanied by a bilingual website featuring games, activities and information for parents.

English subtitles will be available for most shows and many of the programmes will be available to watch online.

Cyw, which is pronounced like the letter "Q", replaces S4C's former nursery brand Planet Plant Bach and will feature presenters Rachael Solomon and Gareth Delve.

Programmes including song and dance show Triongl, live action series Pentre Bach and animated favourites Sam Tân and Sali Mali, will be broadcast from 0700 to 1330.

S4C Chief Executive Iona Jones said the launch of Cyw was one of the most important developments in S4C's history and reflected the channel's commitment to the children of Wales and their families.

"I'm confident this significant expansion will reinforce the good name S4C and its independent producers have in the field of children's programming - in Wales, the UK and internationally," she said.

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