The announcement comes as emergency services remain under significant pressure following a series of major fires across Wales during prolonged hot and dry weather.

Finance Minister Elin Jones MS said both South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service had declared major incidents because of the number of fires they are dealing with.

The Welsh Government has supported a formal request for Military Aid to the Civilian Authorities (MACA), with the Army now agreeing to provide additional resources to assist South Wales firefighters.

The Welsh Government has also said it is prepared to provide funding for the military support if required.

The First Minister attended a COBR meeting last week, where he highlighted the seriousness of the situation in Wales and called for co-ordinated action across the UK, including the possible deployment of military resources.

The Government says the response is being co-ordinated through established multi-agency emergency arrangements involving the emergency services, other organisations and the Welsh Government.

The situation has also prompted an emergency alert from the UK Government, reflecting the seriousness of the wildfire threat across England, Wales and Scotland.

Communities in Wales have already been badly affected, with residents in Newbridge receiving support after suffering the devastating loss of their homes.

North Wales has also seen a number of significant wildfire incidents during the recent spell of hot and dry weather.

Yesterday, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service reassured the public after receiving a high volume of calls about a fire on Rhiw Mountain near Pwllheli.

The service said firefighters were in attendance and dealing with the incident, while thanking members of the public for their concerns.

The Welsh Government is warning that the risk of further wildfires remains very high.

People are being urged to avoid any activity which could cause a fire and to follow advice from emergency services.

The Government is also stressing the importance of reporting fires quickly where there is an immediate risk to life or property, while taking steps to protect vulnerable people from the effects of smoke.

Elin Jones said: “We remain incredibly grateful to firefighters and other responders for working tirelessly in very challenging conditions to extinguish the fires and protect life and property.”

She also urged the public to behave responsibly and follow emergency service advice, allowing firefighters and other responders to concentrate on dealing with the immediate threat.

The Welsh Government says an Oral Statement and questions will be scheduled for the first Senedd plenary session after the current recess.

West Conwy officers carried out the operation earlier today after receiving information from a concerned member of the public who reported seeing a man apparently selling items to other people, including children.

The operation involved Neighbourhood Policing Officers and Response colleagues.

Police also located a vehicle which they suspect had been used by the man to store further illegal tobacco and other products.

Both the vehicle and its contents have been seized.

The male suspect will now be dealt with in conjunction with Trading Standards.

Sergeant Ball from the West Conwy Neighbourhood Team said officers were determined to tackle the illegal trade in tobacco and vape products being brought into the area.

He said the West Conwy team was “leading the way in North Wales” in joint working with partners including Trading Standards, Immigration and the Fire Service.

Officers say they will use all available legislation and resources to disrupt those involved in the illegal trade, including seizing goods, property and money.

Sergeant Ball also appealed to anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or vape products to come forward.

Information can be passed to North Wales Police via 101 or webchat, directly to local policing teams, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

He also issued a warning to people who buy illegal tobacco and vape products.

“For those fuelling this criminality by buying these dangerous products please think again,” he said.

“You have no idea what chemicals they contain and you could end up seriously impacting your health or even worse in hospital.”

Police say the operation demonstrates the importance of information from members of the public in helping to tackle illegal activity in local communities.

North Wales Police received reports shortly after midday yesterday, that the aircraft, which had been travelling from an airfield in England, had not arrived at Caernarfon as scheduled.

A multi-agency search operation involving air and ground teams was launched, and the aircraft was eventually located in a remote location near Trawsfynydd.

The two people on board were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been informed and has deployed a team of investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn said: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragic incident.

“We will support the AAIB with their investigation to ensure the circumstances leading to this incident are fully understood.

“This has been a challenging search operation and I am grateful to all of the agencies involved for their professionalism and dedication.”

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.

Peter Wright, who stars on the Channel 5 shows The Yorkshire Vet and Springtime on the Farm, joined forces with Ifor Williams Trailers, who have factories in Denbighshire and Flintshire to roll out the nationwide memorial project.

The company supplied a trailer to transport a memorial bench to the World of James Herriot museum in Thirsk where the first tribute area has now opened.

The bench was transported to the museum by farming brothers Rob and Dave Nicholson, who regularly feature on Springtime on the Farm and whose Cannon Hall Farm visitor attraction near Barnsley is the setting for the popular show.

They were met at the museum by Peter Wright who worked with vet and author Alf Wight, better known by his pen name James Herriot.

James Herriot’s books about being a vet in the Yorkshire Dales have become worldwide hits and led to several TV and film adaptations, including the hugely successful All Creatures Great and Small series.

The opening of the pet memorial at the museum was featured on an episode of The Yorkshire Vet.

Peter Wright said the memorial at the museum would be the first of a series of pet benches to be installed around the country.

He said: “What we are going to do in about 10 different locations is put a bench where people can go and sit and remember their pets, in a similar way to what we have done at the World of James Herriot.

“The bench is situated in a lovely walled garden in a quiet area of the World of James Herriot, which used to be our veterinary practice until 1996.

“The walled garden was where we used to turn the dogs out when they were recuperating from procedures.

“Going back in time it was basically part of a Georgian house and it’s where Alf Wight - James Herriot - started and lived during the initial parts of his working career.

“He would walk up and down there with his dogs regularly, so it’s quite fitting to have it where it is.

“And I used to go as a school lad down to the practice when Alf Wight was there, he had only just started writing really, he had written two or three of his books by then, so I was in there pretty much from the outset.”

Peter said as part of the scheme, pet owners can acquire stainless steel plaques to be put into the museum’s memorial area.

He said: “The bench and the memorial wall is overlooked by a life-sized statue of James Herriot - it’s rather nice.

“A lot of people are reluctant to show grief because some people don’t understand and will say ‘it’s just a dog you’ve lost’.

“But there are a vast number, especially nowadays, where pets are very much part of the family.”

Peter said he wasn’t surprised Rob and Dave Nicholson used an Ifor Williams trailer to transport the memorial bench.

He said: “To me, I’ve always felt Ifor Williams is the summit as far as brands go.

“A lot of the farms I go on to have got Ifor Williams trailers and I always think the quality is superb.”

The bench brought to the museum by Rob and Dave Nicholson has a particularly poignant plaque installed – a tribute to their three-year-old Shire horse Herkules who died last June.

Rob Nicholson said the creation of the English Oak bench was organised by Peter Wright and the team at The Yorkshire Vet.

The brothers collected the bench from Coppice Creations at Kinlet in Worcestershire and took it to Thirsk for the launch of the pet memorial.

Rob said: “Peter comes very regularly to our farm and he had only been filming with Herkules for Springtime on the Farm a month or two prior to his passing.

“They were kind enough to have a bench made in memory of Herkules who tragically passed away due to colic last summer.

“It was a really lovely thing to do.

“The only consolation is that we have got three foals to Herkules expected this year so we are hoping that there can be at least something of a silver lining with the successful birth of those.”

Rob said the Ifor Williams trailer used to transport the bench to Thirsk was being used for various tasks at Cannon Hall Farm.

He said: “The fact it is so long and it has two dividing gates means that we can be more efficient in our transporting, and it gives more comfort to the animals.

“For example, we’ve used the trailer to return an American miniature stallion down to Kent, and we’ve used it to drop two Swiss Valais sheep and a miniature donkey off somewhere else in Kent.

“This trailer is the fifth Ifor Williams trailer that we’ve got.”

Dave Nicholson added: “The build quality on this trailer in particular is superb.

“I’m really impressed with this trailer and Ifor Williams keeps improving them.”

Henry Jackson from family firm Coppice Creations, based on the border of Worcestershire and South Shropshire on the edge of the Wyre Forest, said the company was delighted to be asked by The Yorkshire Vet’s production company to create the memorial bench.

John Gallery, marketing director, World of James Herriot, said: “We are delighted that the installation of the first Yorkshire Vet pet memorial is at the World of James Herriot

“It is testament to the ethos of James Herriot's legacy.”

Dave Robinson from North Wales-based Ifor Williams Trailers said: “We’re thrilled to have played a role in the launch of the pet memorial at the World of James Herriot museum.”

The roads include routes in Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn, Rhos on Sea, Penrhyn Bay, Llanrhos, Conwy, Gyffin, Kinmel Bay and Dolgarrog, as well as sections of the B5279 and B5106.

The changes follow feedback from local residents and businesses after Wales introduced its default 20mph speed limit in September 2023.

The policy changed the default limit on restricted roads — typically roads in residential and built-up areas with street lighting — from 30mph to 20mph.

The Welsh Government said the move was designed to make roads safer, reduce the number and severity of collisions and casualties, encourage walking and cycling, and improve the quality of life in communities.

However, the policy quickly became one of the most controversial pieces of legislation introduced by the Welsh Government.

A Senedd petition calling for the 20mph law to be scrapped attracted 469,571 signatures, making it the largest petition in the history of the Welsh Parliament.

Critics argued that the blanket approach was inappropriate for some roads, would increase journey times and could damage businesses and the wider economy.

The Welsh Government's own regulatory assessment estimated that the implementation of the policy would cost around £32.4 million.

The economic impact also became a major point of debate. The original Welsh Government assessment identified an estimated economic disbenefit of up to £8.9 billion, largely linked to longer journey times.

Supporters of the policy, meanwhile, have argued that reducing vehicle speeds can save lives and reduce serious injuries. Early Welsh Government monitoring found average speeds on the main roads studied fell by around 4mph, from 28.9mph to 24.8mph, after the change.

The policy has since been adjusted rather than scrapped.

Following widespread criticism, the Welsh Government launched a national listening exercise in 2024, asking people to identify particular roads where they believed a 30mph limit would be more appropriate.

Local authorities were subsequently given revised guidance to assess roads individually, taking into account factors including road safety, traffic speeds, traffic volumes and the number of pedestrians and cyclists using the route.

In Conwy, the council received 702 individual comments relating to 149 streets or road sections.

Those responses were assessed using the Welsh Government's revised criteria, with the council drawing up a priority list of roads where a return to 30mph could potentially be appropriate.

The process has involved traffic assessments, consideration of collision records and traffic patterns, consultation with local residents and the formal Traffic Regulation Order process.

The result is the latest list of 15 roads which will now return to 30mph.

They are:

Colwyn Road, Craigside

Glan y Mor Road, Penrhyn Bay

Llandudno Road, near Coleg Llandrillo

Conway Road, Llanrhos

Bryn Lupus Road, Llanrhos

Sychnant Road, Conwy

Llanrwst Road, Gyffin

B5279, Tal y Cafn to Ty’n y Groes

Gwydyr Road, Dolgarrog

Abergele Road, Old Colwyn

Llanrwst Road, Colwyn Bay to Bryn y Maen

B5106, Caerhun to Llanrwst Road, Ty’n y Groes

St Asaph Avenue, Kinmel Bay

Marine Drive, Rhos on Sea

Rotary Way, Colwyn Bay

The cost of changing speed limits has itself become part of the controversy.

The Welsh Government initially provided funding for councils to introduce the 20mph limits, with the original implementation estimate put at £32.4 million.

A further £5 million was subsequently made available to local authorities to help implement changes arising from the national review and new guidance.

That means roads which have already had signs and restrictions changed to 20mph can require further work when a 30mph limit is reinstated — effectively creating another round of signage and Traffic Regulation Order costs.

Conwy Council has previously confirmed that the original costs of implementing the 20mph limit across Wales were met by the Welsh Government through grants to local authorities.

Councillor Michael Priestley, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Infrastructure, said the council had listened to the views of local communities.

He said: “We asked for the opinions of the community and have listened. I’m delighted that the list of roads to revert to 30mph has been finalised with the wishes of local residents and businesses in mind.”

The return to 30mph does not mean every road that was previously 30mph will automatically be changed.

Conwy Council says roads must still meet the national safety criteria before a higher limit can be introduced.

The debate over 20mph therefore continues — with the policy remaining in place as the default, but with councils now able to make targeted exceptions where there is evidence that a higher limit is appropriate.

For drivers, the message is simple: check the signs carefully from Monday, as the legal speed limit will change on the affected roads.

Kick-off at Hare Lane is at 2pm, with the match giving RGC their first opportunity to take their hard work in pre-season into a full 80-minute contest.

And after an encouraging campaign last season, there is plenty for North Wales supporters to look forward to.

RGC finished fifth in the Super Rygbi Cymru regular-season table last season — their best finish since the competition was introduced — and went on to reach the SRC Plate Final. The club also produced some of the competition's leading attacking statistics, with Billy McBryde finishing as the league's leading points scorer.

Now the challenge is to build on that progress.

RGC Head Coach Jon Callard has committed to the club for the 2026/27 campaign after an impressive first season in charge.

Callard was praised by RGC for bringing the squad together and developing an exciting style of rugby, while he said finishing fifth and reaching the Plate Final was testament to the players' hard work and commitment.

He has also spoken of his enthusiasm for the purpose of Super Rygbi Cymru — developing players for the future and helping talented rugby players remain in North Wales, combining rugby with employment and opportunities in the region.

For RGC centre Tudur Jones, though, the players are now simply ready to get back out on the pitch.

He said: “I think every player gets to around this point of pre-season and just wants to get back to playing rugby.

“It’s been a good pre-season so far. We’ve worked hard in the gym and on the training pitch, and now it’s about putting that work into an 80-minute game.

“Saturday, at Chester will be a good test, with a few familiar faces, and it’s a chance to see where we’re at.

“Then we build again towards Coventry at home on Saturday 29 August, so we are all looking forward to being in front of our supporters at Stadiwm Eirias.”

Super Rygbi Cymru is effectively the top level of the Welsh domestic game below the professional regions and was created to provide a stronger bridge between the academies, community clubs and professional rugby.

There are 10 teams in the competition, with the clubs aligned more closely with the professional game and the four Welsh regions.

The regular season sees every team play each other home and away, giving each side 18 league matches.

But the season doesn't simply end when the league table is complete.

The top teams progress into a series of play-offs leading to the Grand Final, while there is also a separate SRC Cup competition and a Challenger Shield. The competition is structured around the professional rugby calendar, with breaks during the autumn internationals and Six Nations period.

The new league campaign gets underway on Saturday 12 September, when RGC travel to face Newport.

Their first home league game comes a week later, when Carmarthen Quins visit Stadiwm Eirias on 19 September.

Before that, however, there is plenty of work to do.

Saturday's trip to Chester will be followed by RGC's home pre-season fixture against Coventry on Saturday 29 August, giving supporters their first chance to see the new-look squad at Stadiwm Eirias.

RGC have also been busy strengthening the squad, including the return of Huw Davies, who came through RGC's youth system before pursuing a professional career with Sale Sharks. His return is part of the club's wider ambition to attract and retain talented players in North Wales.

With Callard back at the helm, a fifth-place finish to build on and another season of Super Rygbi Cymru ahead, there is a growing sense that RGC are moving into an important stage of their development.

But first comes Chester. For the players, as Tudur Jones puts it, it's about taking everything they've done in the gym and on the training field and finally seeing what it looks like when the whistle blows.

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme Statistical Report shows that around one in five households in Wales benefited from a reduction in their council tax.

Of those households, more than 218,000 paid no council tax at all under the scheme.

The Welsh Government provides £244 million a year through the local government settlement to support the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Finance Minister Elin Jones MS said the national scheme is designed to provide targeted support to vulnerable and low-income households.

She is encouraging anyone who may be struggling with their council tax payments to check whether they are entitled to support.

Help may be available through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, as well as through other council tax discounts, exemptions and reductions.

People who are struggling with council tax debt are being urged to contact their local authority as early as possible.

Free advice is also available from AdviceLink Cymru on 0800 702 2020.

The Welsh Government says the scheme's tailored approach means financial support is targeted towards those who need it most.

The latest figures cover the 2025-26 financial year and have been published during the Senedd's summer recess to keep members informed.

Monty, Cali and Sofia have been a popular attraction at the Colwyn Bay zoo for many years, creating memories for generations of visitors.

The zoo says the trio will move together to a new home which will provide them with a larger, modern habitat and greater opportunities to support their long-term welfare.

The move comes as the zoo says its understanding of animal welfare continues to develop, with a commitment to providing the best possible environments for the animals in its care.

Staff say they are proud that Monty, Cali and Sofia will be able to continue their journey together.

The zoo knows many visitors will be disappointed to see the sea lions leave and says they will be missed by staff and visitors alike.

However, there is still plenty of time to see the trio before they move on to their new home.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is encouraging visitors to make the most of the remaining summer weeks and come along to see Monty, Cali and Sofia before they begin their next adventure.

For many families across North Wales, the sea lions have been a much-loved part of visits to the zoo — making their departure a significant moment for one of the zoo's most familiar attractions.

Alan Williams, from the Trefor area, sadly died at the scene of the collision on Sunday, 9 August.

In a heartfelt tribute, Alan's family described him, who was better known as “Uncle Al”, as a loving son, brother, uncle, partner and best friend to many people.

They said Alan was devoted to his family and would “do anything for anyone”.

He was described as an outgoing and hardworking man who had time for everyone and was well known and highly regarded in the local area through his work as a joiner.

Alan enjoyed spending time with friends and family and was known for his sense of humour and banter. His interests included hiking, kayaking, music and local history, while he also had a love of animals, the outdoors and food.

He was also a keen and passionate motorcyclist and enjoyed spending time on his motorcycle.

His family said the local community was “in shock” following his death.

They added: “We would like to thank those who have reached out during this difficult time. As a family we are absolutely heartbroken and we would now like time to grieve. We ask to be given privacy at this time.”

North Wales Police officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information which could assist their investigation.

The two-vehicle collision, involving a car and a motorbike, happened on the A470 Crimea Pass between Dolwyddelan and Blaenau Ffestiniog at around 1.30pm.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the area in the lead-up to the incident, is asked to contact North Wales Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference 26000648860.

The Care Forum Wales chair has used his inclusion in the Care Home Professional 2026 Power List to call on the new Welsh Government to protect independent care homes and services that are rooted in local communities.

His warning comes as the new Plaid Cymru government begins work on its plans for a National Care Service, with the future role of independent providers likely to be a key issue.

Mr Kreft, who is also the owner of award-winning North Wales care organisation Pendine Park, believes small and medium-sized care businesses fit closely with Plaid Cymru's pledge to support homegrown Welsh enterprises.

He said the vast majority of care homes in Wales are not large, private equity-backed organisations, but family-run businesses whose owners live in the communities they serve.

“With the new Plaid government in Cardiff, there is an opportunity for a new beginning to highlight the fantastic work done by small and local businesses who provide the backbone of social care in Wales,” he said.

“The average size of a care home in Wales is 40 beds and the vast majority of them are owned and run by people, many of whom live in their local communities across the nation.

“The Prime Minister has spoken negatively recently about private equity funded care homes. I don’t agree that’s an issue in Wales where the typical example is a family-run operation with one or two homes.

“These dedicated people are proud to live in their community and serve their community, creating jobs and providing vital services, without which the NHS would cease to function.

“They are family-run Welsh businesses and it’s been heartening to hear that the new Welsh Government sees the importance and value of homegrown companies like this.”

Mr Kreft said his recognition in the Care Home Professional Power List was particularly significant because of the challenges facing the sector.

He was awarded an MBE for his contribution to social care in Wales and has also received a Recognising Achievement Award at the Welsh Government's St David's Awards for his work in health and social care.

Pendine Park, which now operates nine care homes in North Wales, began with just one 14-bed home.

Mr Kreft said the business was established to care for his grandparents and his wife Gill’s grandfather.

“I have always stood up for small independent businesses because we started with just one care home with 14 beds so I could look after my grandparents and Gill’s granddad,” he said.

“We’re now one of the top five companies in Wales but we are tiny when compared with some of the giant organisations in England.

“Some of these big organisations are run by friends of mine and they are doing incredibly well, but I think there is a specific issue for Wales with a new government that is not yet persuaded by the arguments to support independent care businesses and is seeking to create a national care service.”

Mr Kreft believes independent providers should form an important part of any future National Care Service, whether services are operated by private companies or charities.

“The most important thing is that the people of Wales are caring for their own people, creating many local jobs,” he said.

“These are real community assets, rooted in their own communities and we have always in Care Forum Wales, and I have personally, been interested in supporting the little guy.”

He pointed to care providers in rural communities as an example of the vital role played by smaller businesses.

One example is Meryl Welsby, who has operated a care home in Pentrefoelas, Conwy, for more than 30 years.

Mr Kreft said the home has grown to around 30 beds to remain sustainable and provides an important service in a rural community.

“That’s a vital community resource and exactly the kind of company that Plaid Cymru are talking about,” he said.

Mr Kreft warned that once smaller care homes disappear, replacing them could prove extremely difficult, particularly in rural areas where building new facilities may not be financially viable.

“We are blessed in Wales to have lots of services close to people’s homes in their communities so you don’t have to travel far to visit your loved ones,” he said.

“But if they are not properly supported within a National Care Service they will not be able to survive – and once they are gone, they are gone.

“Nobody is going to build a new 30-bed home in a rural area because it would not be financially viable, whoever is running it – because costs have gone up and regulation is more onerous.”

He also highlighted cases where people requiring care have been moved significant distances away from their home communities because suitable placements were unavailable.

“We see cases time and time again where people are moved by the NHS and I know of one person from North Wales who was recently placed in a home in Bristol,” he said.

“It’s utter madness. What is the sense of taking people from their community?”

Mr Kreft said he welcomed the development of new services but urged ministers to ensure existing community-based provision is protected.

“My message to the First Minister, as Plaid said in its manifesto, is that Welsh companies should be cherished and supported because they provide investment and jobs, along with vital services in the case of social care,” he said.

“I would suggest that he should look at the sector in that light.”

He added that most people requiring care in Wales rely on state support through local authorities or health boards to fund their care.

“I hope, with colleagues, to be able to convince Plaid Cymru that supporting these national treasures is a very sensible thing to do, whichever way you look at it.”

Mr Kreft is now urging Plaid Cymru Senedd members to visit care homes in their constituencies and speak directly to residents and staff.

“We are urging Plaid’s Senedd members to visit their local care homes and speak to the residents and staff who work in them and understand first hand how it alleviates pressure on our hospitals,” he said.

“This is about local people living and working together in their communities providing essential services that underpin the NHS in Wales.”

Former Detective Constable Thomas Coppack, who resigned from North Wales Police after being found guilty, was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He had also faced a charge of intentional strangulation, but was found not guilty of that offence.

At sentencing today, the court imposed an 18-month custodial sentence suspended for 18 months.

Coppack was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in costs.

A three-year restraining order was also imposed by the court.

North Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison said the force acknowledged the sentence.

He confirmed that, despite Coppack having resigned from the force, he will now be subject to a formal police misconduct hearing.

DCC Harrison said:

“We acknowledge today’s sentence. As part of our formal processes, the former officer will now be subject to a misconduct hearing.

“As I have previously stated, this type of conduct can seriously undermine public trust and confidence, but I hope this case demonstrates to victims of violence against women and girls (VAWG) that when they come forward, they will be listened to and supported.

“We will not shy away from prosecuting those that commit such crimes.”

The force says the case forms part of its wider commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and ensuring allegations of violence are properly investigated.

Police forces have separate criminal and misconduct processes, meaning an individual's criminal conviction does not necessarily bring all professional proceedings to an end.

The misconduct hearing will consider Coppack's conduct in relation to his former role as a police officer.

Whilst Thursday is A-level results day across Wales, students are also receiving results for a range of Level 3 vocational qualifications. The WJEC confirmed that AS and A levels, Level 3 applied certificates and diplomas and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales are among the qualifications being issued today.

The national picture is a positive one, with the proportion of top grades rising across the UK.

Across the UK, 28.5% of A-level entries were awarded an A or A* this year, up from 25.4% in 2019, while 9.6% received the top A* grade – the highest figure outside the pandemic years. The overall A*-C rate was 78.4%.

Northern Ireland recorded the highest proportion of A and A* grades, at around 30.7%, followed by Wales and England. The figures also show significant differences between regions, with London recording the highest proportion of top grades in the UK.

There has also been a record number of 18-year-olds securing university places, with 262,820 UK students accepted onto degree courses, an increase of 3% on last year.

For students across North Wales, however, the national figures only tell part of the story.

Hundreds of learners at Coleg Llandrillo are celebrating what the college describes as exceptional results at its Rhos-on-Sea and Rhyl campuses.

A-level students achieved an overall 98.5% pass rate, with more than 80% achieving A* to C grades and almost one in five achieving an A* or A.

Vocational learners have also performed strongly, with almost 20% achieving the highest grades available – Distinction* or Distinction.

The results have opened the door to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions such as Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Warwick.

Among the individual successes is Rhyl student Fathima Fairoos, who achieved an A* in Biology, an A in Chemistry and a B in Physics and will now study Medicine.

At Rhos-on-Sea, Maya Oakes achieved A in Art, B in Photography and A in Graphics and is heading to the University of Salford to study Graphic Design.

There were also strong vocational results. Jac Williams achieved D*, D, D in Sport and Exercise Science, securing a place at Bangor University to study Policing as well as a two-year contract with RGC.

Coleg Llandrillo Principal Paul Flanagan said the college was "immensely proud" of learners and staff, with A*-A, A*-E and Distinction profiles all increasing compared with last year.

There were celebrations at Ysgol Aberconwy, where students achieved results that will see them progress to universities, higher-level apprenticeships, employment and other opportunities.

Among the standout performances was Holly Wilson, who achieved an extraordinary A, A, A* and A** and will study Politics at university in Cardiff.

Other notable results included Harry Senior, who achieved A*, A, A and B, Nell Shannon, who achieved three As and is taking up a degree apprenticeship with EON at the University of Nottingham, and Sonny Mitchell, who achieved Dist*, Dist*, A and B and will study Finance at Newcastle.

Students are also heading into a wide variety of careers and courses.

Emily Wraith is going to Salford to study Occupational Therapy, Shana Kelly will study Sports Science at Keele, Isla Shackleton is heading to Chester for International Tourism and Elin Jones will study Psychology at Bangor.

Other students are heading into careers with the RAF, while others will study Law, Equine Science and Forestry Management.

The school says the results underline the continued growth and success of its sixth form.

Students at Ysgol John Bright in Llandudno are also celebrating.

Headteacher Hywel Parry said around two-thirds of the cohort achieved at least one A or A*, describing the results as a testament to students' hard work and the quality of teaching and pastoral support.

Among the outstanding performers is Student President Harry Clayton, who achieved an exceptional four A*s and an Aand will study Physics at Oxford.

Dyan Owen achieved four A*s and is heading to Cardiff to study Medicine.

Poppy Close achieved three A*s and an A and will study Mathematics at Durham, while Lea Brzyska, with three A*s and an A, will study Physiotherapy at Southampton.

The school says 60% of all grades awarded were A* to B and that provisional ALPS data places the sixth form among the top 1% in the UK.

There has been another exceptional performance at Rydal Penrhos in Colwyn Bay. The school says 26% of all A-level grades were A* this year, compared with 20% in 2025.

Half of all grades were A* or A, while 69% were A* to B – a rise of 13 percentage points on last year.

The proportion achieving A* to C rose to 91%, compared with 83% last year, while the school recorded a 100% A-level pass rate.

Students at Prestatyn High School are also celebrating what the school describes as another year of excellent academic and personal achievements.

Headteacher Neil Foley praised students for their dedication and commitment, while Head of Prestatyn High Sixth Form Sian Reed highlighted the hard work of students and the support provided by their families.

The school says its students will now move on to university, employment, apprenticeships and other opportunities.

At Coleg Cambria's Deeside Sixth Form Centre, Rhyl student Kathryn Bell is celebrating an offer to study International Relations and Politics at Liverpool John Moores University.

Kathryn, a former Rhyl High School pupil, achieved her A levels in Politics, Law and History and was also named Politics Student of the Year at Cambria.

Her ambitions have been shaped by her experience as a young carer, and she hopes eventually to help influence policy affecting disabled people and young carers.

She says her studies and work with young carers have allowed her to put the knowledge she gained in the classroom into practice.

While today's results are often associated with university places, schools and colleges across North Wales are highlighting the wide range of options available to young people.

Some students will head to universities across Wales and the rest of the UK, while others will take up degree apprenticeships, vocational training, apprenticeships or employment.

That range of pathways is reflected in this year's results, with students moving into subjects including medicine, physics, politics, finance, engineering, policing, occupational therapy, sports science and the creative arts.

And for anyone who hasn't achieved the grades they were hoping for, today's result is not the end of the road.

Universities and colleges have places available through Clearing, while schools, colleges and careers services can offer advice on alternative courses, resits, apprenticeships and other routes.

For further help and advice contact Careers Wales on 0800 028 4844 or locally in Conwy County, the Conwy Employment Hub on 01492 575578.

The orthopaedic team at Abergele Hospital has been using Attend Anywhere technology for the past two years to carry out virtual ward rounds.

The system allows consultants to speak directly to patients and assess their recovery remotely, using a laptop or iPad on the ward.

It means patients can see and speak to their consultant on the morning after surgery, while an experienced senior nurse remains with them in person to carry out the clinical assessment.

The approach was introduced after orthopaedic consultants from Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd began carrying out surgery at Abergele Hospital.

Because consultants may need to return to their main hospital for operating lists, clinics and other clinical commitments, the virtual ward round means patients can still receive a timely review from their surgeon without waiting for them to travel back to Abergele.

Ward Manager Claire Bowen says the approach has proved beneficial for both patients and staff.

She said: “Our patients really value being able to see and speak to their consultant the day after their operation. It gives them that reassurance that their surgeon has received how they are recovering and they have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

“From our perspective on the ward, it means we aren’t waiting for a consultant to travel a significant distance back to Abergele before a patient can be received.

“We can have a laptop or iPad with the patient, carry out the assessment together and make sure everything is in place for them to go home safely after they meet the discharge criteria.”

Claire says the system has now become an established part of the way the team works.

“We’ve been doing this for around two years now and it has become a really effective way of working. It’s good for our patients, it makes better use of our consultants’ time and it can also help prevent unnecessary delays to discharge.”

The team plans to continue using – and expand – the technology when orthopaedic services transfer to the new North Wales Surgical Centre at Llandudno Hospital.

The move is expected to provide opportunities to increase the number of procedures carried out as day cases, with virtual reviews potentially allowing patients to be assessed even after their consultant has returned to another hospital.

Claire said: “As we move to Llandudno, we want to increase the amount of surgery we are able to carry out as day cases, and this technology can really support us with that.

“Even when the Consultant has left the hospital to return to their other clinical commitments, we can continue to speak to them and review patients throughout the day and into the evening.”

That could give clinical teams more opportunities to discharge suitable patients on the same day rather than requiring them to stay in hospital overnight.

Claire says the focus remains on making sure patients are safe and ready to leave hospital.

“Ultimately, it’s about making the patient’s journey through hospital as smooth as possible while making sure they are completely safe and ready to go home.”

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Oliver Blocker, based at Ysbyty Gwynedd, says virtual ward rounds allow surgeons to balance patient reviews with their other clinical responsibilities.

He said: “Our virtual ward round allows surgeons to continue with other essential clinical duties, such as operating lists and clinics, while still maintaining regular oversight of patients on the ward.

“It is a much more efficient use of consultant time without compromising the quality or safety of patient care.”

He also highlighted the importance of having experienced nursing staff on the ward alongside the technology.

Mr Blocker said the success of the virtual ward round relies heavily on the expertise of the ward team, with senior nurses able to carry out the hands-on assessment while communicating directly with the consultant.

He said: “Having a highly experienced senior nurse such as Claire leading the patient assessments means we can be confident that every aspect of a patient’s condition has been received, all discharge criteria have been met and any issues have been identified before a patient goes home.”

The use of virtual ward rounds is another example of how technology is being used to connect specialist teams across North Wales, while reducing unnecessary journeys for clinicians and potentially helping suitable patients spend less time in hospital.

Denbighshire County Council is leading a £3 million-plus regeneration project for Prestatyn High Street, funded by the UK Government.

The scheme includes plans to widen selected footpaths in the centre of the High Street. However, opponents say the changes would result in the loss of around 20 parking spaces and leave a significant section of the town centre without nearby parking.

Darren Millar says the reduction in parking could have a damaging impact on local businesses and make it more difficult for residents to access the High Street.

He is particularly concerned about the effect on older people and those with limited mobility, who may find it difficult to walk from alternative car parks to the shops.

The proposals could also affect events currently held along the High Street, including the popular Prestatyn Classic Car Show.

The MS says the proposals have received a negative response from residents and businesses and has written to Denbighshire County Council asking for the pavement-widening plans to be abandoned.

Darren Millar said: “I very much welcome the investment in Prestatyn High Street, but these proposals to widen the pavements are the wrong approach.

“Prestatyn is currently a thriving town which is accessible to all, and we need to ensure that it stays that way.

“Local shops and businesses rely on people being able to stop, park and spend money in the town and these changes will deter them from doing this.”

He also referred to a recent poll conducted on Facebook which he says demonstrated public opposition to the proposals.

He is calling on the council to reconsider the plans and carry out a fresh assessment of how the High Street could be improved while protecting parking provision.

“Regeneration should strengthen Prestatyn High Street, not create additional barriers for those who want to shop, work and visit there,” he said.

Prestatyn councillor Anton Sampson has also criticised the proposals.

He says that while a consultation has taken place, concerns raised by residents have not been adequately addressed.

Cllr Sampson says he has been contacted by disabled residents who are concerned that removing parking close to the High Street could make the town less accessible rather than improving accessibility.

He said: “Many people with disabilities have benefited from being able to park close to our high street shops. Our high street is on a steep hill and walking from the nearest car park is not an option for many.”

He estimates that around 20 parking spaces could be lost under the proposals.

Cllr Sampson says that could put additional pressure on businesses already operating in a challenging retail environment.

“Losing 20 or so parking spaces is totally unacceptable and would be another kick in the teeth for our struggling high street businesses and would force more people to shop in the retail park, thus ignoring our high street.”

He says the investment was intended to improve Prestatyn's High Street and make it more attractive to shoppers and visitors.

“Levelling up funding was intended to enhance our high street and make it more attractive to shoppers and visitors, not to make it worse.”

The regeneration project is being funded through UK Government Levelling Up funding, with Denbighshire County Council responsible for delivering the improvements.

The debate centres on how the High Street can be modernised and made more attractive while maintaining convenient access for shoppers, residents and businesses.

Mr. Millar is now calling on the council to return to the drawing board before the planned works progress further.

The British Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 1.3 earthquake near Bontddu in Gwynedd at 1.30pm on Wednesday, 12 August, at a depth of around eight kilometres.

A second, smaller earthquake measuring magnitude 1.1 was recorded near Llangynidr in Powys earlier the same morning.

Earthquakes of this size are normally too small for most people to feel, but they are regularly detected by the UK's network of seismometers.

And North Wales has experienced considerably stronger events over the years.

One of the more sizeable earthquakes centred on Conwy happened on 14 February 2005.

The British Geological Survey recorded it at magnitude 3.3, with its focus around 10.7 kilometres beneath the surface.

It was the largest onshore earthquake recorded in Britain that year.

People across parts of the region reported being startled by the tremor. Reports received by the BGS included descriptions of a loud bang, windows shaking and entire houses appearing to move. Reports came from places including Conwy, Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, Bethel and Abergele.

A magnitude 3.3 earthquake is still considered relatively moderate, but at a shallow enough depth it can certainly be felt – particularly when it produces the sudden bang or rumbling sound associated with some British earthquakes.

There have been other smaller earthquakes around the Conwy Valley too. In 2022, for example, a magnitude 1.0 earthquake was recorded around two kilometres west of Trefriw, at a depth of approximately seven kilometres. It was felt in parts of the Conwy Valley, with reports of a rumbling sound.

The most famous earthquake in the history of North Wales struck on 19 July 1984.

The Llŷn Peninsula earthquake, sometimes referred to as the Menai Strait earthquake, measured approximately 5.4 magnitude and was the largest onshore earthquake in the UK for more than a century.

The epicentre was in northern Llŷn, but the effects were felt over a huge area.

People across North Wales reported buildings shaking, while damage included cracked plaster and masonry and damage to chimneys. Rockfalls were also reported in parts of Gwynedd.

The earthquake was felt much further afield, including across large parts of England and into Ireland.

It originated at a depth of roughly 20–22 kilometres, making it a particularly interesting event for scientists studying the geology beneath North Wales.

The main earthquake was followed by a significant sequence of aftershocks, including events measuring around magnitude 4.

The 1984 earthquake wasn't a one-off. Historical records show that significant earthquakes have occurred in and around North Wales for hundreds of years.

A particularly notable event occurred in 1852, when an earthquake centred around the Caernarfon area was recorded at approximately magnitude 5.3 by modern estimates. The British Geological Survey's historical catalogue also records a series of associated tremors that day.

There were also notable earthquakes in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while smaller tremors have continued to be detected around Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy.

The Llŷn Peninsula is regarded as one of Wales' more seismically active areas. Research into UK earthquake hazards has found that seismic hazard is generally low across Britain but is somewhat higher in Wales and parts of north-central England because of the greater level of historical earthquake activity.

An earthquake happens when stress that has built up within the Earth's crust is suddenly released.

The Earth's crust isn't one completely solid, unbroken layer. It contains faults and fractures, and the rocks on either side can be subjected to enormous forces.

As those forces build, rocks can deform slightly or become locked against one another. Eventually, the stress can become greater than the friction holding the rocks together.

The rocks then suddenly move, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.

That's what we experience as an earthquake.

Unlike places such as Japan, California or parts of Turkey, Britain isn't located on a major active plate boundary. That means earthquakes here are generally much smaller.

But Britain is still affected by stresses within the Earth's crust.

Some of those stresses are associated with the ongoing movement of tectonic plates, including the slow opening of the Atlantic Ocean and the northward movement of the African plate.

There is also a longer-term effect from the end of the last Ice Age. Huge amounts of ice once weighed down parts of Britain, and as that ice disappeared, the land began slowly readjusting – a process known as post-glacial rebound.

The reassuring news is that the overall earthquake hazard in the UK remains low.

The British Geological Survey monitors hundreds of small seismic events, most of which are never noticed by the public.

But the history of North Wales demonstrates that larger earthquakes are possible.

The 1984 Llŷn Peninsula earthquake remains a particularly important reminder of that.

And while nobody can predict exactly when the next significant earthquake will occur, every small tremor – including Wednesday's event near Bontddu – provides scientists with another piece of information about the forces and geological structures beneath our feet.

So if you hear a sudden rumble, feel the windows shake or experience what sounds like a heavy explosion with no obvious explanation, there is always the possibility that North Wales has given itself another little geological shake.