Author: Rhys Gregory

The Caerphilly Challenge Series will take a break this year, with organisers confirming plans for a refreshed return in 2027. The popular walking event, which has previously attracted hundreds of participants, will relaunch from a new starting point at Ty Penallta. As part of preparations for its return, a trial walk is set to take place in October 2026, with 150 მონაწილants invited to take part. The test event will play a key role in helping organisers finalise the route, logistics and overall event experience ahead of the full return the following year. The Caerphilly Challenge Series has built a…

The historic Old Wye Bridge in Chepstow has been closed to all users with immediate effect following safety concerns. Monmouthshire County Council confirmed the decision was taken after specialist engineers identified new structural issues during a recent inspection. The bridge, which links Bridge Street with Castleford Hill, had already been closed to vehicles for several months while increased monitoring and inspections were carried out. However, engineers this week discovered several new cracks in the cast iron structure, raising concerns about the safety of pedestrians. On expert advice, the council has now shut the bridge بالكامل to all users on safety…

Conservation experts have uncovered the original red paint colour for Castell Coch, the iconic fairy-tale castle, following detailed scientific analysis of paint samples dating back to the 1880s. Cared for by Cadw, Castell Coch is one of Wales’s most popular castles, beloved for its magical “fairytale” appearance. Although it has origins as a medieval hunting lodge, the beautiful castle we see today is the vision of the well-known designer William Burges. Burges worked for the 3rd Marquess of Bute between 1875 – 1881 to create a masterpiece of Victorian fancy. The distinctive red paintwork on the castle’s external timberwork -…

Mind Cymru is calling on the next Welsh Government to invest in anti-stigma programmes after research found the number of people willing to work alongside someone with a mental health problem in Wales continues to fall. The charity is making the call on World Bipolar Day after its latest Big Mental Health Report found the number of colleagues willing to accept someone with a mental health problem within the workplace has declined in the space of four years. A national poll from YouGov published in 2025 also shows a general lack of education and awareness around serious mental illnesses, including bipolar,…

A brand new street food destination is set to open in Cardiff Bay, bringing a mix of big flavours, independent traders and a lively social space to the waterfront. Platform Street Food has confirmed it will officially open its doors on April 1, offering food lovers a fresh go-to spot on Bute Street. Located at Bute Street, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5LS, the new venue promises a vibrant mix of street food favourites, from freshly made pasta and stacked burgers to indulgent desserts and artisan coffee. Platform aims to bring together some of the best independent food traders, combining bold flavours…

A double fronted Victorian property packed with a plethora of fabulous period features could make the perfect family home. Just a short distance from bustling Aberdare town centre, impressive, double-fronted Bryngwyn, at 35 Abernant Road has loads of space to spread out and enjoy. Angie Davey, of Paul Foh Auctions who are selling the house in their online sale, said: “This wonderful four-bedroom house, bulging with period fireplaces, period floor and wall tiles, fabulous wooden stairs, wood panelling and various plaster mouldings, is truly a Victorian property dream. “With dressing room/study offering ensuite potential there is also a bathroom and…

National Training Federation for Wales strategic director Lisa Mytton has congratulated more than 600 talented young people for their outstanding performance at this year’s Skills Competition Wales awards. Judges awarded 96 gold, 92 silver and 97 bronze medals in the competitions which took place during February, with a record-breaking 1,168 competitors taking part across 65 disciplines. The largest programme ever delivered by Skills Competition Wales included competitions ranging from culinary arts and web development to aeronautical engineering and renewable energy. A record 30 learners from Wales’ independent training providers competed, earning medals and highly commended awards across 12 competitions. The…

Police are carrying out enquiries after a firearm was discharged by an officer in Milford Haven on Saturday evening. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill at around 5.45pm on March 28, where an individual was believed to be in possession of a knife. Officers, including a firearms unit, were deployed to the scene. While at the address, a police officer discharged a single shot at 6.32pm. The force said the firearm was not directed at any individual and no injuries were reported. The incident has been voluntarily referred to the Independent Office for…

A man has been jailed after being found guilty of the historic rape and sexual assault of a boy. 39-year-old Mark Hawkes, of no fixed abode, carried out the attacks in the child victim’s home in the Neath area. Hawkes was this week found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of assault of a boy under 13 by touching, all carried out against the same victim. He has today been sentenced to sixteen years in prison. He has been handed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order against the victim. Protecting Vulnerable People…

A man who was found in possession over £250,000 worth of cocaine has been jailed. Craig Lloyd, 38, Bangor had left the drugs in the boot of his car, inside a box labelled with his name and address. Officers discovered the cocaine following his arrest on 5 March. They were patrolling the High Street in Bangor when they saw Lloyd riding an illegal electric motorcycle. He attempted to make off, but officers equipped with Smart Tag forensic spray—a tool designed to safely and discreetly mark offenders for later identification – sprayed Lloyd and the motorcycle. The Smart Tag solution with…