COMETH the hour, cometh the Welsh teacher.

Back in March, I told how Bill Wiggin (below), the Tory party's Welsh spokesman, was looking for someone to help him learn the language.

He has been successful. His first lesson was scheduled to take place this week.

The Leominster MP said: "I am absolutely delighted to finally begin my Welsh lessons.

"After much searching, I think I have found an excellent and experienced tutor who is going to come to the House of Commons for my weekly lessons.

"I am grateful for all the messages of support I have received since I declared my intention to learn the Welsh language.

"Whilst I am looking forward to starting my lessons, I hope that I will not be tested too hard, as progress may not be all that speedy!

"But I shall try my hardest."

Bill, who already knows all the words to the Welsh national anthem, got some stick when he landed the role as Shadow Secretary of State for Wales at the end of last year.

Plaid Cymru claimed his main qualification for the post was that - on a clear day - he could see Wales from an upstairs window in his constituency.

But Bill, who learnt a few words of the language while serving in the Caernarfon platoon of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, was determined to prove the doubters wrong.

He said: "I made the decision to learn Welsh because I take my role... very seriously and wish to demonstrate that the Conservative party is committed to the Welsh culture and language."