An amber heat health alert remains in place, and schools say they have taken the decision to close after risk assessments concluded they could not guarantee a safe learning environment for pupils and staff.

In Gwynedd, Ysgol Eifion Wyn in Porthmadog, Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen and Ysgol Yr Hendre in Caernarfon, along with Ysgol Hafod Lon in Penrhyndeudraeth, will all be closed on Thursday.

Ysgol Hafod Lon said it had carried out “a thorough risk assessment to consider the impact of the weather on the health and wellbeing of our learners and staff” before deciding to close for one day. The school said forecasts of temperatures around 35 degrees and the amber warning for extreme heat made the decision necessary.

Ysgol Eifion Wyn said exceptionally high temperatures inside the building meant that, despite a range of mitigation measures, it could no longer provide a safe environment for pupils or staff.

Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen said classroom temperatures were expected to rise well above safe levels, while Ysgol Yr Hendre also cited concerns that it would not be possible to ensure a safe learning environment because of the forecast exceptional temperatures.

In Denbighshire, Ysgol Dewi Sant in Rhyl will be closed, with the school saying there are limited cool areas within the building because it is also being used as a polling station. Ysgol Y Parc in Denbigh will close early at 12.30pm after lunch because of the extreme heat warning.

St Brigid’s School in Denbigh has also announced changes, although these are unrelated to the weather. The primary school will be closed because of a lack of toilet provision, while pupils in Years 7 to 13 will remain open as normal.

In Conwy County, Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan has confirmed that Year 12 students will work from home on both Thursday and Friday.

Forecasters say Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the current heatwave across North Wales, with temperatures potentially reaching 35 degrees Celsius in some inland areas. Health officials are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and look out for vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives.

Parents are being advised to check directly with their child’s school for the latest updates, as further closures or timetable changes may be announced if conditions worsen.

The Welsh Government has laid regulations to introduce Automatic Voter Registration across the country ahead of the 2027 local government elections, following successful pilot schemes in Carmarthenshire, Gwynedd, Newport and Powys.

An independent evaluation by the Electoral Commission found the pilots were successful, paving the way for the nationwide rollout. The new regulations are expected to come into force this autumn.

Under the new system, local authorities will use data matching to identify people who are eligible to vote in local elections. Those identified will be notified before being added to the electoral register and will have the opportunity to opt out if they choose.

The Welsh Government says the changes will help ensure electoral registers are more accurate and complete, making it easier for more people to take part in local democracy.

Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian, said Wales was “leading the way” on Automatic Voter Registration in the UK.

She said: “These regulations will help improve both the accuracy and completeness of the local government electoral register and are an important step towards strengthening our democracy.”

She also thanked the Electoral Commission, the Association of Electoral Administrators and electoral registration teams across Wales for their work in developing the scheme, adding that the Welsh Government would continue working closely with councils to ensure the rollout is delivered carefully and effectively.

The changes apply to local government elections in Wales and are expected to be in place before voters go to the polls in 2027.

The charity’s all-weather lifeboat launched on Monday after HM Coastguard received reports that a 30-foot rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was drifting around one-and-a-half nautical miles west of the Great Orme.

The vessel, which had one person on board, had developed steering problems and was being carried towards the headland by the rising tide.

The skipper acted quickly by dropping anchor to stop the boat drifting further before contacting HM Coastguard for assistance. An “any vessels” broadcast was also issued to see if any nearby boats could help.

Llandudno RNLI’s volunteer crew arrived to find the vessel secure at anchor in relatively calm conditions. After assessing the situation, the coxswain decided the safest option was to tow the disabled boat to the nearest safe harbour.

The lifeboat established a tow and escorted the vessel to Conwy, where it was safely secured alongside Beacons Jetty.

Coxswain Luke Heritage praised the skipper’s actions and explained why the decision was taken to tow the vessel.

He said: “Once on scene, it was clear the skipper wasn’t in immediate danger, but they were unable to continue their journey due to the steering failure. With very little protection from the sun on an exposed RIB during a particularly warm day, we decided that towing the vessel to Conwy was the best outcome for everyone involved.”

The RNLI is reminding anyone heading out on the water to ensure their vessel is well maintained, carry suitable means of communication and contact HM Coastguard immediately if they get into difficulty.

Temperatures are set to remain high throughout the week, with forecasters warning that the heat could have widespread impacts on health, transport, infrastructure and public services. The Met Office has advised that the conditions could pose a risk to vulnerable people, particularly during the peak hours of sunshine.

Emergency services, local authorities, health organisations and partner agencies are continuing to work together through the North Wales Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to monitor conditions closely and coordinate any response required as the hot weather continues.

Residents and visitors across North Wales are being urged to take extra precautions to stay safe in the heat. Public health advice includes checking on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours, especially those who may be older or living alone. People are also being advised to seek shade between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels and temperatures are at their highest, and to wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or above. Authorities recommend covering up with hats, sunglasses and loose-fitting clothing, and drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

With dry and hot conditions increasing the risk of wildfires, people are being urged to take extra care outdoors. Fire services are asking the public not to light fires, avoid barbecues in open countryside and public spaces, and instead “pack a picnic, not a BBQ”. Smokers are being reminded to dispose of cigarettes safely, and everyone is being encouraged to take litter home to help reduce fire risks.

Safety advice has also been issued around open water, with officials warning that rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea can still be dangerously cold even during periods of hot weather. People are being urged to avoid jumping into open water to cool off due to the risk of cold-water shock, and instead enter slowly and carefully if swimming. Anyone who gets into difficulty is advised to use the “Float to Live” technique, while the public are warned never to enter the water themselves in an attempt to rescue someone, and to call 999 immediately.

Travel disruption is also possible during prolonged hot weather, and people are being urged to consider whether their journey is necessary. Drivers are advised to carry water, plan regular rest stops and be prepared for delays, while public transport users are encouraged to check services before travelling and allow extra time for journeys.

Camping should only take place in designated and authorised areas, with fire safety guidance strongly emphasised due to the dry conditions.

Public Health Wales has issued detailed guidance on staying safe during extreme heat, while further information is available through North Wales Fire and Rescue Service summer safety advice pages. The Met Office continues to publish up-to-date warnings and advice online.

Officials say the combination of sustained high temperatures and dry ground conditions means North Wales will remain at increased risk over the coming days, with partner agencies continuing to work together through the Local Resilience Forum to manage any impacts.

At a recent Cabinet meeting, councillors agreed to proceed with issuing Statutory Notices following a formal consultation period held between December 2025 and January 2026.

Under the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code, any proposal to close a school must follow a structured legal process, beginning with consultation and followed by the issuing of statutory notices if the proposal is taken forward. The outcomes of the consultation were previously considered by both the Education and Skills Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet earlier this month.

Cabinet has now voted to move the process forward, with Statutory Notices for both schools having been published. This marks the start of a 28-day statutory notice period during which formal objections or representations can be submitted.

The notices relate to the proposal to close Ysgol Betws y Coed and Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan. Once the notice period ends, all feedback and representations will be reviewed before a final decision is made by the Council’s Cabinet.

The council says the proposals form part of a wider review of school provision in response to long-standing challenges affecting a small number of rural schools across Conwy. These include falling pupil numbers, surplus capacity, and increasing pressure on budgets and staffing in smaller schools, which can make it more difficult to maintain a broad and sustainable curriculum offer.

It adds that in some rural communities, declining enrolment has been an ongoing trend over a number of years, and projections suggest pupil numbers are unlikely to increase significantly in the foreseeable future.

The council has previously said that ensuring long-term sustainability of education provision, while maintaining quality and making effective use of resources, is a key factor in considering changes to the school estate.

A final determination on both proposals will be made once the statutory process has concluded.

Disruption is expected to last until just before 10pm tonight (Wednesday June 24), with rail replacement transport operating in place of all scheduled services.

Transport for Wales said a section of the line is blocked between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog due to severe weather conditions affecting the route.

In a statement, Transport for Wales said: “Due to severe weather, the line is blocked between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog. This means our services between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog are unable to run in either direction.

“Please note we expect the line to be closed all day with all train services being replaced by road replacement transport. We apologise for the disruption caused to your journey.”

Passengers are being urged to check before travelling, with wider travel disruption expected as North Wales prepares for what is forecast to be its hottest day on Thursday.

Network Rail and other transport operators have previously advised that people should only travel if absolutely necessary during periods of extreme heat, due to the risk of disruption, speed restrictions, and delays across both rail and road networks.

Motorists are also being warned to take extra care, with hot weather likely to lead to difficult driving conditions, increased congestion on key routes, and potential vehicle breakdowns.

Rail replacement transport is in operation, but passengers are being advised to allow extra time for journeys and consider whether travel is essential before setting out.

Maes Mynan Park, near Caerwys, is working with Yorkshire-based Beverley Leisure Homes (BLH) to create bespoke holiday properties shaped around customers' lifestyles, accessibility needs and budgets.

While bespoke lodges have long been available on the market, the partnership is bringing that same level of flexibility to the single-unit static caravan sector, where buyers have traditionally selected from a fixed range of specifications.

From wheelchair-friendly layouts and home office space to dog-friendly features and custom floor plans, buyers and park owners can influence the design of second homes in ways that have traditionally been unavailable in the industry.

Maes Mynan directors Peter and Louise Barlow say the collaboration is opening-up new possibilities for buyers looking for something more individual than a standard off-the-shelf model.

"We know what our holiday homeowners want because we listen to them," said Louise.

"People are increasingly looking for a second home that reflects how they live.

"It's not just about colours and fabrics anymore. It could be where a sink is positioned, adding extra luxury features including grab rails, creating wheelchair-friendly access, installing ramps to decking areas, having multiple access points, converting a second bedroom into a home office, or even designing a dedicated area where a dog can dry off after a walk around the lake.

"These may sound like simple changes, but they can make a huge difference to how people use and enjoy their holiday home."

She added: "Traditionally, customers select from what is available. Now they can choose their park, choose their plot and, increasingly, choose a holiday home that reflects their own taste, lifestyle and needs."

BLH, founded by chief executive David Hall and headquartered at a solar-powered factory in Tickton near Beverley, has built a strong reputation for working closely with park owners and customers to create holiday homes that suit specific requirements.

As a family-run business, BLH is able to respond quickly to changing customer expectations and explore new ideas in a way that can be more challenging for larger manufacturers operating high-volume production lines.

The partnership with Maes Mynan began to take shape in 2024, when BLH hosted an industry event at the Park. Since then, the two businesses have worked together on floor plan concepts and practical design ideas inspired by customer feedback.

Accessibility and inclusivity are central to BLH's design approach. The company has worked alongside occupational therapists to develop adapted living spaces for wheelchair users and neurodiverse residents - an area David says is becoming increasingly important.

"Historically, particularly in the static caravan market, everything is designed in-house and customers choose from what's available," said David.

"What makes this different is that we're working alongside park owners like Maes Mynan, who understand exactly what customers are asking for because they hear that feedback every day.

"We can design homes around the park owner's vision, the end user's requirements or entirely ourselves. Very few, if any, manufacturers are offering all three options in the UK today.

"True bespoke design is about providing solutions. Everyone's needs are different and holiday homes should reflect that, not force people to adapt to a standard layout."

Peter added: "For a Park like Maes Mynan, surrounded by nature and focused on outdoor living, this is a huge USP.

"We are looking at up to three different floor plan concepts and exploring options that really respond to what customers are telling us.

"We are fortunate to have spacious plots that allow us to maximise the potential of a 14ft single-unit caravan built to residential specification, making the most of the views and countryside setting.

"By understanding what customers want, we can create holiday homes that are tailored to both the location and the people who will use them, while retaining the luxury and quality people expect."

For more information, visit Luxury North Wales Countryside Holiday Park | Stunning Views.

Visit Beverley Leisure Homes for the latest news and information from Beverley Leisure Homes.

Running from June 23 to 30, the national awareness week shines a spotlight on the vital role youth work plays in supporting young people across communities.

Throughout the week, Conwy’s Youth, Engagement and Belonging Service will showcase how non-traditional sports are being used to engage young people, encouraging participation while creating opportunities for connection, positive conversations and improved mental health and wellbeing.

Open access and targeted youth clubs across the county will also host a variety of creative and inclusive activities, providing safe and welcoming spaces where young people can meet others, express themselves and develop new skills.

The week will also celebrate partnership working with The Urdd, giving young people opportunities to take part in activities through the medium of Welsh while strengthening their connection with the Welsh language and culture.

Councillor Aaron Wynne, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Education with responsibility for the Youth Engagement and Belonging Service, said: “Youth work plays a vital role in supporting young people across Conwy, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and feel a sense of belonging.

“Youth Work Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the dedication of our youth workers and to highlight the positive impact they have every day. It’s also a chance for our communities to see how we’re engaging young people in creative and meaningful ways, including through activities that support their wellbeing and encourage them to thrive.”

Residents, families and partner organisations are being encouraged to get involved during the week and see first-hand the difference youth work is making across Conwy.

More information and the full programme of activities is available on the Conwy Youth Service Facebook page.

The incident happened at Felin Uchaf Community Garden, where the bench is reported to have been damaged beyond repair sometime between 6pm on June 20 and 11am on June 22.

Officers say the bench, which was dedicated in memory of a loved one, has been significantly damaged in what is being treated as criminal damage. The destruction has left the family of the deceased deeply upset.

Police are now asking anyone who visited the garden during that period, or who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the area over the weekend, to come forward.

A spokesperson said anyone with information that could assist enquiries should contact North Wales Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 26000497666.

With an unprecedented week of heat expected across North Wales, officials say quarry pools, rivers and lakes may appear inviting but can pose serious and potentially life-threatening risks.

Superintendent Simon Barrasford said rising temperatures often lead to an increase in risky behaviour around open water.

“We appreciate the weather is warm and the forecast for this week expects temperatures to rise further, and it can be very tempting to jump into quarry pools as well as rivers and lakes to cool down on a hot day,” he said.

“However, open water can contain hidden hazards such as debris, weeds, and reeds that you may not be able to see from the surface.

“The water can also be very deep, and swimmers can easily find themselves out of their depth. If you are thinking about going swimming in open water, please think again and consider the dangers.

“We urge you to look out for your friends, avoid swimming or jumping into open water and plan how else you can cool off safely.”

Officials also warned of the risk of cold water shock, which can occur even in summer. Sudden immersion in cold water can trigger involuntary gasping, breathing difficulties and cramp, which can quickly lead to panic and drowning, even among strong swimmers.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Fire Safety, Paul Kay, echoed the warning, stressing the importance of education and prevention, particularly among young people.

“While open water may appear tempting during warm weather, I’m urging people to avoid swimming in lakes, canals, and other unsupervised bodies of water, as hidden hazards can pose serious risks,” he said.

“It is especially important for parents and guardians to talk to their children about the dangers of open water. Teenagers in particular may be more likely to venture out with friends and underestimate the risks involved in using open water to cool down, which can have serious and potentially tragic consequences.”

He urged people to seek safe alternatives and make use of official safety advice.

“Help keep yourself and others safe and well by checking out the latest advice from our partners at Public Health Wales – together we can help protect our communities.”

The public is also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the RNLI’s “Float to Live” guidance, which explains what to do if someone accidentally falls into deep water.

Anyone who witnesses people swimming in quarry pools or other unsafe locations is urged to contact North Wales Police immediately on 999. In coastal emergencies, the public should ask for the coastguard.

Authorities say the message is clear: while the weather may be hot, open water is not a safe way to cool down, and a moment of risk-taking can have devastating consequences.

North Wales Police confirmed they have received numerous calls over the past week reporting incidents near the grounds of the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea on Lloyd Street, as well as Caroline Road, Madoc Street, and around Lloyd Street near the town hall.

The order came into force at 12pm on 23 June 2026 and will remain in place until 12pm on 25 June 2026. It covers a wide area of the town centre including Trinity Avenue, Augusta Street, Madoc Street, Caroline Road, Brookes Street, St Mary’s Road, Deganwy Avenue, Albert Street, Edward Street, Marble Arch, Lloyd Street, New Street, Chapel Street and Market Street.

District Inspector Jamie Thorp said the decision was taken in response to the impact the incidents were having on residents and businesses.

“We recognise the detrimental impact incidents like these have on the community and local businesses,” he said.

“I have authorised this dispersal order under Section 34 of the ASB Crime & Policing Act 2014, which gives my officers more powers to remove people and seize items relating to anti-social behaviour.

“I would urge parents and carers of young people to inform them about this dispersal order and what it means. Ensure you are aware of where your children are and who they are with.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days to deter any further incidents of anti-social behaviour and disorder.”

Police explained that dispersal orders give officers the power to direct individuals to leave an area if they believe they are involved in, or likely to be involved in, anti-social behaviour.

The powers apply to anyone aged 10 and over, and officers or PCSOs may take young people home or to a place of safety if necessary.

Returning to the designated area within the 48-hour period is a criminal offence and can result in arrest, a fine of up to £2,500, and/or up to three months in prison.

Residents and businesses in the affected area are advised to remain vigilant as police continue patrols aimed at restoring calm and preventing further disruption in the town centre.

Setting out his priorities in the Senedd, Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister Llyr Gruffydd said the funding will support biodiversity projects across Wales while creating jobs and improving access to the natural environment.

The investment comes as Wales experiences soaring temperatures during one of the hottest spells of weather in recent years, with the Minister warning that climate change is already having a significant impact on communities, public services and the countryside.

Alongside the funding announcement, Mr Gruffydd confirmed work has begun on a new Climate and Nature Plan that will guide Wales towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040 while delivering significant nature recovery by 2050.

The strategy will place climate and nature at the centre of decision-making across the Welsh Government, influencing areas including housing, transport, health and the economy.

Key priorities include expanding tree planting, restoring peatlands through the National Peatland Action Programme and establishing a new Flood Resilience and Preparedness Forum to improve Wales’ response to increasingly frequent flooding.

The Minister also pledged greater support for rural communities through proposals for a statutory duty requiring policies to be “rural proofed” and the development of a new Rural Development Strategy aimed at reducing poverty and creating new economic opportunities.

For farmers, the Welsh Government is continuing work to secure a multi-year budget for the Sustainable Farming Scheme, providing greater financial certainty for businesses planning for the future.

A new National Food Strategy for Wales will also be developed to strengthen food security, support Welsh producers and improve supply chains.

Mr Gruffydd said the recent spell of extreme heat demonstrated that climate change was no longer a future threat but a reality affecting every part of Wales.

“The extreme heat we are experiencing this week is a reminder that climate change is not a future risk – it is already affecting people, nature, communities and public services across Wales,” he said.

Reflecting on a recent visit to Barry, where he met schoolchildren learning about coastal erosion and rising sea levels, he added: “They are growing up in a Wales where extreme weather, flooding, pressure on nature and changes to our coastline are becoming more visible. Our job is to respond with ambition, honesty and practical action.”

He said clean air, clean water, healthy soils and thriving ecosystems were “the foundations of our economic opportunities”, supporting jobs, sustainable food production and healthier communities.

Mr Gruffydd also sought to reassure farmers that they remain central to the Welsh Government’s plans.

“Family farms are the beating heart of our rural communities and the backbone of the rural economy,” he said.

“I want to reduce the bureaucratic burden on them and have already appointed John Davies to lead an independent review to cut unnecessary red tape so time can instead be spent on things like managing stock or planning for the future.”

The Minister said he was committed to working closely with communities across Wales to ensure future policies are shaped by the people who know their local areas best.

The announcement is expected to have significance across North Wales, where farming, peatland restoration, flood resilience and environmental conservation play a vital role in supporting both the economy and the region’s internationally important landscapes, including Eryri National Park, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, and the Isle of Anglesey.

The change has been introduced to protect refuse and recycling staff from working during the highest daytime temperatures of the ongoing heatwave.

From now until Friday, collection crews in Conwy will begin rounds at 5am, two hours earlier than the usual 7am start.

Householders are being asked to ensure all recycling containers are placed out the evening before their scheduled collection day, to avoid the risk of missed collections due to the revised timetable.

A spokesperson said the earlier start times are necessary in response to the weather warning and will allow crews to complete their rounds before temperatures peak.

The council has thanked residents for their cooperation and understanding during the temporary changes.

While this arrangement applies to Conwy County Borough Council services, other North Wales councils may also be considering similar measures to protect frontline workers during the extreme heat. Residents living outside Conwy are advised to check directly with their local authority for any changes to collection times.

Normal service is expected to resume from Monday, once temperatures begin to return to more seasonal levels.

Households affected by the change are reminded to have all bins and recycling containers ready for collection by 5am on their scheduled day.

Published today (Tuesday, June 23), the budget allocates hundreds of millions of pounds to what ministers describe as their key priorities, including cutting NHS waiting times, expanding childcare, increasing the supply of social housing and helping families with the cost of living.

Among the headline measures is £20 million to boost the supply of social housing, £40 million to improve school buildings and £5 million to support community facilities across Wales.

Young people are also set to benefit from £10 million to help keep bus and coach travel affordable while improving transport services. A further £2 million has been allocated to the Cynnal child payment scheme, with another £2 million aimed at giving more children the opportunity to learn to swim.

The supplementary budget also confirms a series of major spending announcements made over the past week.

These include a £145 million investment in the NHS, announced on June 18, designed to help reduce waiting times by expanding capacity across the health service. The package includes £25 million for new surgical and diagnostic hubs to speed up cancer treatment and diagnostic testing, alongside £20 million for essential maintenance work at hospitals and GP surgeries.

The government has also pledged £55 million to help hundreds more families access funded childcare for two-year-olds, while a further £15 million will extend free school meals to more secondary school pupils from families receiving Universal Credit from the start of the new school term.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance Elin Jones said the spending package reflected the priorities on which the government was elected.

“This government was elected with a clear mandate and is delivering on it responsibly and at pace. This supplementary budget demonstrates that commitment – spending with purpose, with every pound working harder for Wales.

“We have inherited significant pressures – in the NHS, in childcare, and across public services – and we are transparent about that.

“This Supplementary Budget concentrates resources on our clearest priorities: cutting NHS waiting times, expanding childcare, extending free school meals, and easing cost-of-living pressures for families.”

The Finance Secretary said the budget was about improving public services as well as providing additional investment.

“This is about more than new funding, it’s about beginning to reshape how our public services work after 27 years of a previous government.

“This new government will ensure that every pound delivers better outcomes – better childcare, better healthcare and better public services for the people of Wales.”

The First Supplementary Budget will now be debated by Members of the Senedd before a vote on July 14. If approved, the funding will be released to departments over the coming financial year.

The two-metre-long sculpture, named Humphrey, was created by Art and Design Foundation student Jodie Roberts as her final year project to highlight the growing problem of plastic pollution and the importance of environmental sustainability.

Using discarded plastic collected from a variety of sources, including a local Asda supermarket, Jodie wanted to create an artwork that would grab people’s attention and encourage them to think about the amount of plastic used in everyday life.

“I wanted to create something really big and meaningful,” she said. “If it was small, it wouldn’t be noticeable. At this size, I hope it makes people stop and realise just how much plastic we use.”

Although Jodie specialises in textiles, the ambitious project pushed her far beyond her comfort zone.

Humphrey was built using recycled water pipes, hula hoops and garden mesh rescued from her father’s rubbish bin before being wrapped in layers of recycled plastic using a heat gun.

She then used intricate textile techniques, including trapunto, to create the whale’s lifelike surface, while the striking glass eyes were handmade in Coleg Llandrillo’s specialist glass workshop.

“The foundation course is all about learning and pushing your own boundaries,” said Jodie. “Working with glass and plastic was completely new to me. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done creatively.”

The whale wasn’t the only environmentally-themed artwork on display during the college’s end-of-year exhibition.

Jodie also created a series of interactive hanging jellyfish made from recycled plastic, designed to make visitors reflect on their own plastic consumption. The installation impressed judges and was awarded Best in Show.

“The idea is for people to walk through them and almost get ‘stung’ by their own everyday plastic use,” she explained.

Finding a home for the enormous sculpture after graduation could have proved difficult, but Jodie already had the perfect location in mind.

“I knew he wouldn’t fit in my car or my house,” she laughed.

“I frequently visit Anglesey Sea Zoo with my little niece and love their art displays, so I contacted them to see if they’d accept him as a donation. I was amazed when they said yes. It’s brilliant that people will be able to visit him there.”

Humphrey will soon go on permanent display at Anglesey Sea Zoo, where thousands of visitors will be able to see the striking sculpture and its powerful environmental message.

With her studies now complete, Jodie is planning to launch her own creative business and begin selling her artwork, building on the success of a project that has already found a lasting home by the sea.

The project also showcases the creative opportunities available at Coleg Llandrillo, where students are encouraged to experiment with new materials and techniques while developing practical and artistic skills for careers in the creative industries.