Author: Rhys Gregory

THREE years ago, Tomas Ankers was a school leaver who’d just enrolled at Coleg Cambria. Fast forward to 2026, and the 18 year old apprentice is preparing to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai this September. Tomas, who works for Electroimpact UK Ltd in Deeside, will contest the CNC Milling category and is one of only five competitors from Wales to take part in the global competition. His journey to the international stage has been marked by consistent success. In 2024, he was Highly Commended in CNC Milling at the WorldSkills UK finals, before earning a Medallion for Excellence at…

ONE of North Wales’s most recognisable roadside landmarks has been given a dazzling new look. The famous metal bison statue outside Rhug Estate has been transformed into a striking gold feature. And for a sustainable business on a remarkable run of form, it couldn’t be more fitting. Standing proudly outside the award-winning Farm Shop on the A5, near Corwen, for more than 15 years, the much-loved bison statue has become a familiar sight for travellers, visitors and locals alike. Originally finished in a dark metal tone, the sculpture now shines in gold – a bold statement from one of the…

A day filled with vibrant performances, authentic Indian cuisine, wellbeing workshops, colourful market stalls and hands-on cultural experiences awaits visitors at the Swansea Indian Mela 2026. Taking place on Saturday June 6 from 10am to 6pm at the city’s Brangwyn Hall, the event will immerse attendees in the sights, sounds and flavours of India. This will include live dance and stage performances, food stalls, jewellery and craft vendors, Indian clothing, interactive workshops and henna artistry. The family-friendly event promises a full day of colour, culture and community spirit, bringing together people from across South West Wales to experience the richness…

It’s been confirmed Aberavon Beach is keeping its Seaside Award from Keep Wales Tidy. The blue and yellow flag is only awarded to coastal stretches which are clean, attractive and well-managed. The annual Seaside Awards play a vital role in protecting precious marine environment across Wales and are recognised around the world as a symbol of quality. Award-winning beaches must meet and maintain the highest environmental and safety standards. Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Tourism, Councillor Cen Phillips said: “This is fantastic news for anyone who lives near, or visits, Aberavon Beach. The 3-mile stretch has lots on offer,…

Cllr Tessa Hodgson has been elected as the new Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council. Cllr Hodgson was elected as Leader at the Annual General Meeting of Council held on Friday May 15th and succeeds Cllr Jon Harvey who did not seek re-election as Leader. Cllr Hodgson is the first female Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council and represents the Lamphey Ward. Cllr Hodgson said: “It is a great honour to have been elected Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council. I thank Cllrs Tinley and Clements for also putting themselves forward and Cllrs Alderman and Williams for proposing and seconding me. “It is…

Heolddu Comprehensive School is celebrating a highly positive Estyn inspection report, which praises its inclusive community, strong relationships and effective support in helping all pupils progress. The report highlights the caring and inclusive community where pupils feel safe, valued and well supported to succeed. Estyn commended the strong culture of positive relationships across the school, with pupils showing respect towards staff, visitors and one another, and approaching their learning with diligence. Many pupils, including those with additional learning needs, develop independence and make appropriate progress, supported by staff who have a clear understanding of individual needs and provide effective academic…

Two play parks in Chepstow have officially reopened following major upgrade works aimed at creating more inclusive and engaging spaces for local children and families. Monmouthshire County Council has confirmed that redevelopment works at the play parks on Western Avenue and Piggy’s Hill have now been completed, with both sites redesigned to cater for a wider range of ages. The council said the new layouts were shaped through feedback gathered from parents and children via online surveys on Let’s Talk Monmouthshire, as well as direct engagement during the Food and Fun summer programme. Officials said the response from the community…

A county councillor from Llanbister has been appointed as the new Chair of Powys County Council. Cllr Geoff Morgan, who represents the Ithon Valley ward, was elected to the role during the council’s annual general meeting on Thursday, May 14. He succeeds Cllr William Powell, the local member for the Talgarth ward, who previously held the position. At the same meeting, Cllr Danny Bebb, local member for Churchstoke, was elected as Vice Chair of the council. Cllr Peter James, local member for Llanwrtyd Wells, was also elected as Assistant Vice Chair.

A Cardiff man has been sentenced to more than 14 years for manslaughter after assaulting a Tredegar man outside a pub in Ebbw Vale. Kyle O’Callaghan, 30, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 37-year-old Marcus Lee Carpenter, who died following the assault on Bethcar Street in February this year. O’Callaghan received a sentence of 10-and-half-years imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years, at Newport Crown Court on Friday 15 May. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Blyth, the senior investigating officer, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to the friends and family of Mr Carpenter who showed great strength and…

Dean Edwards has been jailed for a rape committed almost 20 years ago. The victim bravely came forward in 2023 after learning Edwards was serving a prison sentence for another rape. He protested his innocence but was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. On Monday, May 11, 2026, Edwards was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to eight years imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years. The 48-year-old was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order indefinitely. The court heard the rape was committed in the woman’s house while Edwards was…