EISTEDDFOD officials last night hit back at criticism a new text message-based results service was too expensive. Youngsters taking advantage of the service are sent two text messages to advise them if they are through from the preliminary competition to the stage. A later text advises subscribers of the eventual result. The service costs £1.50 plus the cost of the text - up to £2 for some mobile telephone providers. Parents are worried the service is too expensive and that further texts will be sent by the Urdd and S4C. Dad-of-three Roger Baker, from Prestatyn, said: "It's around £2 for a message which really should be free. My daughter Kate is taking part in several competitions and she only has a limited amount of money. "It's just another case of taking money off youngsters." Eisteddfod director Siân Eirian said some people were using the text service but it needed more marketing. She said the charge was set at £1.50 to cover the costs of providing the service. "If you watch television and used a text service its the same kind of cost," she said Gwyn Williams, for production company Hanner Hanner, said: "The mobile phone results texting service is an exciting, pioneering development offered this year as part of S4C's services from the Eisteddfod. "The text service is in addition to an extensive web presence providing comprehensive coverage of the Eisteddfod. "The response has been encouraging and any profits will be shared equally between ourselves, S4C and the Urdd." Youngsters who have signed up say the idea is very useful. Angharad Owen, 15, from Caernarfon, was taking part in the choral competitions. She said: "Its a good idea. The prelim was at midday but the competition isn't on stage until nearly five o'clock. This gives us a chance to get into town." | 
