Author: Rhys Gregory

Thousands more post 16 learners in colleges and sixth forms will receive the Education Maintenance Allowance following a Welsh Government decision to uplift the household income thresholds resulting in more families being able to apply. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly grant of £40, designed to support 16 to 18-year-olds from eligible households with further education costs, such as transport or meals. EMA was ended in England in 2011, and is retained at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Currently over 16,000 students receive EMA but starting from the new academic year in September an estimated…

Amateur sleuths may have noticed something mysterious has been afoot recently in the usually sleepy Cardiff suburb of St Mellons. On an unassuming industrial estate, big adventures have been happening behind closed doors – filming for Prime Video’s latest TV series, Young Sherlock. Directed by Guy Ritchie and supported by Creative Wales, via the Welsh Government’s Production Fund, this brand new eight-part high-end TV series is a prequel to the original story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, in a re-imagining of the character’s coming of age. As a result of this support, the production is…

With global demand for timber set to quadruple by 2050, how can Wales benefit from expected growth while future proofing its forests? That is the question the Welsh Government would like your views on ahead of launching a timber industrial strategy later this year. When finalised, the new strategy will set out a clear roadmap for how government and industry will work together to achieve a thriving wood-based economy in Wales. It will include plans to future proof forests, create green jobs in the timber industry, develop more sustainable housing and boost decarbonisation. Earlier this week Deputy First Minister with…

A 24-year-old man from Llandaff has had a life sentence handed to him for the murder of his best friend. On Christmas Eve 2023, Dylan Thomas fatally stabbed his best friend William Bush at a house they shared in Llandaff, Cardiff. Following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in November 2024, Thomas was convicted of his murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment at the same Court today (Friday, January 24). Thomas will serve a minimum term of 19 years discounting the 337 days which he has already served in prison. Officer in the case, Detective Constable Joanne Harris, said:…

Kier, working on behalf of Swansea Council, are beginning to put up internal walls on some of the three floors. The past few months have seen progress on matters such as demolition of walls and creating a huge new roof light which, in the daytime, will flood the interior with natural light. The city centre project, in the former BHS store in Oxford Street, is on course for completion this year. It will bring a range of publicly accessible services, encouraging footfall for local businesses as the council continues its £1bn regeneration programme. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s great…

The Priory, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Caerleon, South Wales, has unveiled a stunning new look for its 100-cover restaurant following a transformative refurbishment. With a rich history dating back to 1180, The Priory is cementing itself as a destination restaurant and hotel, now seamlessly blending timeless charm with bold, contemporary interior design. The ambitious redesign represents a new chapter for The Priory, and an evolution of the venue’s celebrated legacy. The old-fashioned brasserie-style counter has been replaced by state-of-the-art dry-ageing fridges and an open kitchen where guests can watch chefs at work over open flames; the reimagining of the…

Shine TV, makers of the world-class MasterChef: The Professionals, are on the hunt for the UK’s most talented, up-and-coming chefs to apply for the 18th series, for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The competition continues from our new home in Digbeth, Birmingham, to showcase and celebrate exceptional culinary talent from across the UK and provide a springboard for chefs to achieve industry acclaim. The latest series was a huge success, with Lancaster-based chef, Dan Merriman triumphing as the 2024 Champion. Over the years, MasterChef: The Professionals has propelled a number of culinary rising stars into the spotlight, with alumni including…

Wales is geared up to mark 200 years of passenger rail travel this year as the UK marks the historic anniversary of the advent of the modern rail. As part of the celebrations, a launch event is being held in Aberystwyth today, kicking off a year of events around the country. Dr Louise Moon, Transport for Wales’ Railway 200 Programme Lead said it was exciting to be showcasing Wales’ history as well as promoting the innovations that are taking place now. She said: “We’re incredibly excited to be sharing so much of our history across Wales within our communities, telling…

North Wales Police are appealing for information following a theft in Wrexham. At 3.35pm on Wednesday, December 11th, an elderly couple attended Nationwide bank on Regent Street and withdrew cash. The money was placed in an envelope and the elderly man put it in his pocket. As the couple walked down Duke Street shortly before 3.45pm, a man stole the cash from his pocket, before running towards Egerton Street, past Mc Donald’s, along Hill Street and through Island Green. PC Kat Wright is appealing to anyone who might recognise the suspect pictured below to contact her. She said: “I appreciate…

Transport for Wales and Network Rail are urging all customers to check before they travel on Friday morning and into the weekend with weather warnings in place across the country. With Storm Eowyn set to hit Wales and winds reaching 90mph on Friday morning, customers should expect disruptions and are strongly urged to check before they travel. There will be alterations to rail services, replacement road transport on certain routes and blanket speed restrictions at some locations, meaning journeys could take longer than usual. Stand by buses are being planned at key locations around the network in preparation for travel…