A home for new and emerging literary talent – The School of Welsh celebrates the winners of the Book of the Year Awards 2015

Dr Llŷr Gwyn Lewis, a lecturer and alumnus of the School of Welsh, was celebrating last week after winning the Creative Factual category at the 2015 Book of the Year Awards.

Llŷr was a joint honours student in English Literature and Welsh in Cardiff and went on to complete his PhD under the care of the School of Welsh and the School of English, Communication and Philosophy in 2013.

Having been nominated in two separate categories at this year's awards, with Storm ar Wyneb yr Haul making the shortlist for Poetry, it was his novel Rhyw Flodau Rhyfel which brought victory to Llŷr. He was rewarded with a cheque for £2,000 and steel award designed by the artist Angharad Pearce Jones.

Rhyw Flodau Rhyfel was described by Hywel Griffiths, one of the judges, as an 'ambitious and challenging work that takes us along the paths of thinking young man in the 21st century'.

The Awards Ceremony took place in Caernarvon, and was hosted by the broadcaster Siân Lloyd and the actress Ffion Dafis.

In addition Llŷr's win, another of the School's graduates came to the fore in the Poetry category. Rhys Iorwerth sealed victory with his collection Un Stribedyn Bach.

Following the celebrations, Llŷr commented: "This is a fantastic honour and I'm very grateful to the judges, my family and my friends for their support. I'm shocked but incredibly happy that Rhyw Flodau Rhyfel has been recognised in this way. It was a wonderful evening and great to meet the other honourees and celebrate with them."

Professor Sioned Davies, Head of the School of Welsh, added: "This year's Book of the Year selections are brilliant. I'm thrilled to see the very deserving success of both Llŷr and Rhys and look forward to seeing how they develop and the new works they produce."

"The School of Welsh has long been a haven and breeding ground for some of Wales' greatest writers and scholars and it is wonderful to see a new generation emerge."

The School will celebrate Llŷr and Rhys' success at the annual Stomp between lecturers and members of the Welsh Society (Gym Gym). Llŷr will lead the staff team and Rhys will be the host for the evening alongside Osian Rhys Jones. For more information please contact Cadi Thomas.