THE writer who scooped the £60,000 Dylan Thomas Prize hopes his success will inspire young Welsh writers.

Nam Le was named winner of the UK's largest literary prize during a ceremony at the Brangwyn Hall.

Critics are tipping the 29-year-old for big things.

But the modest author, who was born in Vietnam and raised in Australia, admits he has fallen in love with Dylan Thomas's hometown.

He would love if it the workshops he took part in Swansea University last week spurred on a new generation of literary talent.

He said: "Swansea has been fantastic — from spending time on the LC's surf machine to taking part in workshops at Swansea University.

"In fact, taking part in the workshops was a real hoot.

"The kids were so candid and it was great — they asked the sort of questions that most grown ups are too afraid to ask.

"It's been a highlight of my time in Swansea. When I was young I was such a nerd and felt almost crazy because of my love of books.

"Coming here has been reassuring for me, as it made me feel less lonely about how passionate I was about writing when I was younger."

The second-ever Dylan Thomas Prize, which is awarded every two years, encourages creative talent in writers under the age of 30.

There was an international flavour to this year's event, with the six finalists coming from Ethiopia, South Africa, Vietnam and The UK.

Peter Florence, director of the Hay Festival and chair of the judges, said choosing an overall winner was tough.

Nam Le won the prize for his debut novel, a collection of short stories called The Boat.

Mr Florence said: "In Nam Le, I am confident we have found a winner worthy of Dylan Thomas.

"He is, in this panel's opinion, a phenomenal literary talent, and I look forward to following his career as it progresses."

A jubilant Le described winning the prize as the icing on the cake of a great week.

He said: "I thought it could not get much better than Barack Obama winning the US election."

The 2008 winner then lavished praise on the other five finalists's work, and accepted his accolade on their behalf.

Speaking after his proud win, Le also spoke of his fondness for Dylan Thomas.

He said: "I read his poetry in my teens and I always thought he had a tremendous ear, and something which you don't often hear but I found his work incredibly modern."

But one thing he is less sure about, is what he is going to do with his £60,000 prize money.

"I wish I could say I knew, the whole thing has come as a bit of a shock," he said. "I think I'll have to think about it long and hard.

"In the meantime I'm undertaking a residency at the University of East Anglia where I'm working on my next book."

Organisers say they hope to build on the success of the prize, making it the "gold standard" in book prizes as well nurturing new talent.

Vice-chancellor Professor Marc Clement added: "Who knows, the future winners of the Dylan Thomas Prize might emerge from the workshops run by the six finalists."