Hurt Welshman spurns offer

The student told by Nottingham University that his A level in Welsh did not count has said he does not want a placethere now, even though the institution has since admitted it was wrong.

Cemlyn Davies from Aberystwyth was told by Nottingham's admissions tutors that any grade he achieved in his Welsh A level would not count towards meeting an offer of two As and a B to study French and politics.

The university was forced to retract its decision on Monday after politicians and teachers whipped up a storm over the issue. It apologised unreservedly to Mr Davies.

A Nottingham spokesman said the decision was a "simple error" and not an instance of any deliberate discrimination against the Welsh language or the value of A-level Welsh.

But Mr Davies said: "I feel they have shown me a lack of respect. It may have been a simple error but it's one that could have far-reaching consequences.

"If I had not complained, other students in the future might have been affected. I hope this raises awareness in English universities that Welsh A level is a valid qualification."

Mr Davies has accepted the offer of a place at Cardiff University.