Author: Rhys Gregory

A south Powys high school is celebrating a major achievement after being officially removed from special measures following a successful Estyn monitoring visit last month (November). Inspectors judged that Brecon High School has made sufficient progress against all recommendations from its previous core inspection – a milestone that reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire school community. Key improvements that the inspectors highlighted included: Raising standards at Key Stage 4: Expectations have increased, leading to a positive trajectory of GCSE outcomes over the last three years, with notable improvements for more able pupils and boys. Improved attendance: Rates…

A further £2.5m in Welsh Government funding has been announced for the creative industries in Wales. The funding will provide an injection of additional investment into the film and TV sector. The publishing sector will also receive support to respond to continuing challenges and support revenue generation. More than 3,500 businesses currently operate in the creative sectors supported by Creative Wales, employing more than 35,000 people. Latest statistics show the sector generated an annual turnover of £1.5 billion in 2023, an increase of more than 10 per cent on the previous year. This latest funding follows £2m of further investment…

Ely & Caerau Children’s Centre is set to be transformed by nearly £2m of Welsh Government funding to improve facilities and increase childcare provision for local families. First Minister Eluned Morgan made the announcement while visiting the children’s centre in Cardiff with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as he launched the UK Government’s Child Poverty Strategy. The investment will increase full-time childcare places from 85 to 105 and entirely remodel and refurbish the centre, creating a new community room and a dedicated space for the expanded childcare provision. The centre is a trusted hub used by the local community which provides…

Wales is set for a spell of very unsettled weather tonight and through Tuesday as the Met Office issues a yellow warning for heavy rain and strong winds. The warning is in place from 18:00 on Monday 8 December until 18:00 on Tuesday 9 December, with the risk of flooding, travel disruption and power cuts across parts of the country. Rain will move in this evening and quickly turn persistent and heavy through the night. Although it may ease at times during the day on Tuesday, further bursts of heavy rain are expected. Totals of 20 to 40 millimetres are…

In an age where our smartphones go everywhere with us — to school, work, after friends, or across town — many families look for a reliable way to stay connected and ensure everyone’s safety. Whether it’s to keep track of younger children, help elderly parents, or simply check in on family members after dark, a good family-tracking app can bring peace of mind. In this guide, we highlight the three best apps for Android in 2026 — including why they stand out, and which types of families benefit most from each. Why Use a Family Tracking App? Smartphones are powerful:…

From baking cookies to decorating the tree, there are so many things friends and families can do when they gather for Christmas. However, there’s always enough time to play some fun games and share a few unforgettable laughs that become part of the family’s festive traditions. But what are the best games to play with your loved ones over Christmas? Card games are always a great choice. Whether you need a two-player game or something that more people can jump into, they’re easy to set up and perfect for filling those cosy Christmas hours. The classics include rummy, whist, and…

If you’re busy – and the truth is that most of us really, really are – gift giving can turn into a very stressful thing to do, and it might even end up just sitting in the back of your mind until it’s actually urgent. The problem is, if you do that, you’ll panic and buy something that’s just not appropriate, or too expensive, and that’s going to be bad for you and a shame for the recipient. Plus, even if you want to choose something a bit more thoughtful, you just don’t have the time or energy to wander…

Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County fill very different stadiums, but the routine around them starts to look similar. Fans still walk through the turnstiles, sing, argue with the referee and grab tea at half time. The difference in 2025 is that a big part of the match now lives on a screen in the same hand that holds the scarf. Local derbies, odds and phone screens For many Welsh fans, following a match includes checking prices on their mobiles, especially for local fixtures. Cardiff vs Swansea derbies are a good example, as they often attract one of the…

Police are appealing for help to find 42 year old Kevin Kavanagh who has been reported missing from Trowbridge in Cardiff. Kevin was last seen at about 11am on Saturday December 6. Officers say they are growing concerned for his welfare and are urging anyone who may have seen him to get in touch. He is described as 5ft 8, slim, with short black and grey hair. When he was last seen he was wearing a navy parka style coat with fur trim around the hood, navy blue jeans and white Nike trainers. South Wales Police are asking anyone with…

The Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales are getting ready to launch a full month of festive entertainment, with a mix of family shows, seasonal food, winter activities and big celebrations taking over Newport this December. One of the main highlights is the return of Scrooge: A Cirque Spectacular. The show brings Dickens’ classic tale to life through circus performers, aerial acts and visual moments that aim to impress both children and adults. It has become a well loved Christmas tradition at the resort and this year’s version promises to be the most ambitious yet. Food plays a key part…