Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Transport for Wales is enhancing its TrawsCymru services this summer by increasing services on two key routes across Wales to meet growing demand. From Sunday 29 March, passengers travelling on the T4 and T10 TrawsCymru routes will benefit from increased frequency during the summer months, with additional journeys added on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. With summer approaching, more people are taking the chance to explore Wales’ beautiful landscapes and popular destinations. The timetable changes for these routes include: T10 (Bangor – Betws-y-Coed – Corwen) Hourly services will run between Betws-y-Coed and Bangor on weekends, and on weekdays during…

In recent years, the economic story of Wales has taken an unexpected turn. A sector long associated with strict regulation, gambling, is now forming a surprising partnership with one of the country’s fastest-growing assets: its technology industry.  Nowhere is this transformation more visible than in the growing innovation ecosystem centred around Cardiff. With the final stages of the UK Gambling Act reform outlined in the 2023 White Paper coming into force between 2025 and April 2026, compliance has shifted from being a simple legal requirement to a genuine economic opportunity.  Welsh technology companies are increasingly stepping in to help gambling…

Not every online decision feels important when you start making it. It might be a quick search on your lunch break, a bit of scrolling on the sofa, or ten spare minutes before you head out the door. But give it a few minutes and suddenly you are doing what most people now do online: comparing, checking, reopening tabs, and wondering whether the “best option” is actually the one you almost clicked on ten minutes ago. That kind of digital hesitation has become normal. Whether people are looking at services, subscriptions, platforms, deals, or product categories, the pattern is familiar.…

News headlines talk about swings and the amount the markets finished on for the day – all terms and topics that can make investing sound complex. In reality, successful investing rarely depends on perfect timing or specialist knowledge. Instead, it grows from small habits that you practise over time. When you combine those habits with tax-efficient tools, you give your money a better chance to grow steadily. By building a few simple routines early on, investing stays manageable while you can make sure more of your returns stay in your pocket. 1) Start with small, consistent contributions You don’t need…

Poker remains one of the most popular games worldwide, combining skill, strategy, and psychological insight. For beginners, understanding the interplay of risk, reward, and the subtle signals from fellow players is crucial. In Wales, where local sports and entertainment have a proud tradition, many enthusiasts are drawn to the intellectual challenge of poker. This article provides comprehensive guidance for those starting their poker journey, exploring practical strategies that bridge the gap between casual play and disciplined competition. Building a Solid Foundation: Understanding the Basics of Poker One of the first steps for any aspiring poker player is to understand the…

Over the past decade, the landscape of gambling in the United Kingdom has transformed dramatically. With technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences, online casinos have emerged as a formidable market force. This evolution, primarily driven by digital innovation, is also influenced by regulatory reforms and changing betting habits in both urban and regional communities, including those in Wales. Evolving Gambling Landscape in the UK The surge in online gaming popularity can be attributed to improved internet connectivity, mobile technology, and the increasing accessibility of digital entertainment. Modern casino platforms now offer immersive experiences with live dealer options, innovative game mechanics,…