The Midnight Pyjama Walk 2026 will take place on Saturday 19 September, with participants walking 7km under the stars, starting and finishing at Parc Eirias.

Organisers promise an evening full of fun, with a warm-up from Ffit Conwy, a craft coffee van for those needing a caffeine boost, and plenty of entertainment along the route.

Every participant will receive a pair of light-up space boppers to wear, a complimentary tasty treat and a bespoke pair of fluffy night socks.

The event costs £15 for adults and £10 for children under 16, with participants asked to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship.

The event is being organised to raise vital funds for Tŷ Gobaith, which provides specialist care and support for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, as well as their families.

Based in Conwy, Tŷ Gobaith offers a range of services including respite care, palliative care, emergency support and end-of-life care, helping families make precious memories while providing much-needed practical and emotional support.

The hospice supports families across North Wales, offering a safe and welcoming environment where children and young people can receive specialist care while parents and carers are given time to rest and recharge.

This year’s Midnight Pyjama Walk is being supported by Colwyn Bay-based recruitment specialists Supertemps, who are the event’s super sponsors, while pyjama manufacturers Aykroyd & Sons of Bala are backing the event as Gold Partners.

Supertemps will be joining in the fun on the night, alongside the Tŷ Gobaith Tiger mascot, helping encourage walkers and raise awareness of the charity’s work.

Sarah Ellwood from Supertemps said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Tŷ Gobaith for this fantastic evening of fun.

“They’re a charity close to our heart and that of the local community in Colwyn Bay and beyond.

“We are looking forward to being there in our pyjamas to help raise vital funds so that more local families can get the care and support they deserve.”

Event organiser Laura Ellis-Bartlett said the walk was returning after a 12-year break and would be a memorable evening for everyone taking part.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this super event back after a 12-year hiatus - it’s just such a giggle,” she said.

“But we encourage people to join us remembering that families we support often don’t get a full night’s sleep when caring for a child with a life-threatening condition.

“One late night for you could fund a respite stay that allows parents of seriously ill children to get the precious rest they need.”

Participants are encouraged to wear anything from their favourite pyjamas and cosy Oodies to fun and colourful onesies.

The walk will begin and end at Parc Eirias, where there will be parking, refreshments available from Coffi & Vinyl, and a warm welcome for everyone taking part.

The route will also be supported by regular marshals to help keep participants safe throughout the evening.

Organisers say the event is a chance for the community to come together, have fun and help provide vital support for families facing some of the toughest times imaginable.

Get your tickets at https://www.hopehouse.org.uk/event/midnight-walk

The MenB vaccine is being offered this summer to 17 and 18-year-olds born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, as well as young people aged up to 25 who are due to begin their first university or residential college course later this year.

Now, walk-in vaccination clinics are being opened across North Wales to make it easier for eligible young people who have not yet received their first dose to come forward.

No appointment is needed at the walk-in clinics.

Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required for full protection, with a second appointment usually scheduled around four weeks after the first dose.

Young people who have missed other recommended vaccinations will also have the opportunity to catch up at the clinics.

The precautionary campaign was announced by the Welsh Government last month following a MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year, in which 21 people became ill and two young people sadly died.

The campaign is aimed at those considered to be at increased risk, particularly teenagers and young adults who may spend time in close-contact settings such as universities and residential colleges.

Seventeen and 18-year-olds eligible for the programme were sent invitation letters in early July. Anyone who was unable to attend their appointment, or who did not receive a letter, can contact the health board or attend a walk-in clinic.

Young people aged 18 to 25 who are starting their first year at university or residential college this autumn can also receive the vaccine. They should bring evidence that they are due to begin their first year, such as an offer or provisional offer letter.

The health board is advising eligible young people not to contact their GP surgery or school immunisation teams for the MenB vaccine, as these services will not be able to provide it as part of this targeted programme.

The campaign will run for a limited period, with all first doses needing to be given by 31 December.

Young people and families are also being urged to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis.

Both conditions can progress rapidly from apparently mild symptoms to severe illness. Babies, young children, teenagers and young adults – particularly those in close-contact environments such as colleges and universities – are among those at greater risk.

The MenB vaccination programme is in addition to routine vaccination against other strains of meningitis. The MenACWY vaccine is normally offered to children in Year 9 through school-based clinics.

For enquiries or to arrange a vaccination appointment for eligible 18 to 25-year-olds, the Vaccination Contact Centre can be contacted on 03000 840004, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The health board says the latest campaign is an important opportunity for eligible young people to strengthen their protection against a serious and potentially life-threatening infection.

William Lee Foulkes, known as Lee, of Cae Derwen, Llanfair Talhaiarn, admitted dangerous driving and driving while disqualified following the incident outside his home.

He also admitted possessing a Class A drug, cocaine, with intent to supply after he was found with a quantity of the drug in Abergele in 2024. He also admitted possessing counterfeit £20 notes.

At Mold Crown Court on 5 August, Foulkes was sentenced to a total of four years in prison, including a three-year sentence for the drugs offence.

The court heard that on 1 June, an officer located Foulkes outside his home driving a rented vehicle which had been taken out in another person's name.

Despite being banned from driving, Foulkes got behind the wheel and, when he saw PC Daniel Darbey, drove towards the police car, ramming it several times.

He then attempted to escape by reversing at speed into the police vehicle, almost striking his mother, who was standing in the road attempting to block the officer.

Foulkes then drove away, causing more than £10,000 of damage to the police car.

Officers carried out searches at several addresses in an attempt to locate him. Foulkes was eventually arrested by officers from the Priority Crime Team in Criccieth on 12 June, having taunted police on social media in the days following the incident.

His mother, 51-year-old Helen Foulkes, also of Cae Derwen, Llanfair Talhaiarn, appeared at Mold Crown Court on 5 August after admitting resisting an officer in the execution of their duty.

She was fined £300 and ordered to pay a further £200 in costs.

PC Daniel Darbey, of North Wales Police's Roads Crime Unit, said Foulkes had put members of the public at risk by attempting to evade police.

“Foulkes knew he shouldn’t have been behind the wheel and to evade police, he put members of the public at risk with his dangerous driving, as well as almost striking his own mother,” he said.

“His recklessness could easily have caused a serious injury or worse, including to his mother, and it is lucky that no one was hurt due to his dangerous behaviour.

“Those who are banned from driving are banned for good reason, and we will continue to pursue those who feel the rules do not apply to them and hold them to account.”

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale said officers would continue to pursue wanted people and those involved in criminal activity.

“We make every effort to locate wanted people and bring them to justice to protect our communities,” he said.

“We remain committed to pursuing criminals like Foulkes by disrupting their activity and we encourage anyone who has information about drug dealing or criminality in their community to contact us so we can take positive action.

“I welcome this sentence that will see him behind bars for some time.”

The Gesualdo Six, one of Britain’s leading a cappella groups, will perform at St Asaph Cathedral on Friday 11 September as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.

The concert will feature music from their latest album, Wishing Tree, with a programme spanning five centuries of music, from the 16th century through to the present day.

The evening will conclude with a newly commissioned arrangement of the Welsh folk song Ar Lan y Môr.

Directed by composer Owain Park, The Gesualdo Six was formed in 2014 for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories in the chapel of Trinity College.

The group, made up of a bass, baritone, two tenors and two counter tenors, is renowned for its rich harmonies and innovative approach to choral music.

The ensemble has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Wigmore Hall and the Sydney Opera House, and made their BBC Proms debut in 2023. They will return to the Proms shortly before their North Wales appearance.

Over the past 12 years, highlights have included international tours to Colombia, Japan, China, Singapore and Australia, with further performances planned in the United States later this year.

The group last performed at the North Wales International Music Festival seven years ago and says it is delighted to be returning to St Asaph Cathedral.

Owain Park said the venue’s acoustics made it a special place to perform.

“It was lovely singing in the cathedral with its wonderful acoustics,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to coming back and sharing this programme with the audience in North Wales.”

The North Wales International Music Festival is supported by the Arts Council of Wales and the Colwinston Charitable Trust, alongside partners including headline sponsors Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), Scops Arts Trust, Tŷ Cerdd, St Asaph City Council and Salisburys Chartered Accountants.

The festival’s Artistic Director, Professor Paul Mealor, said The Gesualdo Six were known for creating imaginative performances that bring together historic and contemporary music.

“The ensemble are known for their innovative programming blending medieval, Renaissance and contemporary choral music and have been praised for their beautiful blend and imaginative concerts,” he said.

The theme of this year’s festival is “Macrocosm: Music and Conservation”, exploring the relationship between music, people and the natural world.

Professor Mealor said the programme would examine how the arts can help encourage awareness and protection of the environment.

“We will examine the ‘macrocosm’, which is the interconnectedness of all things, and how humans are both the problem and the solution,” he said.

“Scientists from all over the world have extensively documented the role that music and the arts can play in supporting and encouraging the preservation of our natural environments.”

Other highlights of this year’s festival include the Pendine Young Musician of Wales Grand Final on Wednesday 16 September, where talented young musicians from across Wales will compete for a £4,000 prize and the Pendine Trophy.

The competition will be adjudicated by Professor Helena Gaunt, Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, alongside Iwan Llewelyn-Jones and Alun Jones, and will be broadcast on BBC Radio Cymru.

The following evening, the NEW Sinfonia, conducted by Robert Guy, will celebrate the 90th anniversary of Prokofiev’s much-loved work Peter and the Wolf, featuring narrator Zeb Soanes and BSL interpretation.

The performance will also include three new commissions celebrating endangered species found in North Wales – the red squirrel, pine marten and Snowdon leaf beetle.

The festival will also showcase young musicians from Denbighshire Music Cooperative, performances from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales with harpist Alis Huws, and a closing choral concert bringing together Anglesey-based Encôr and Cardiff choir Hen Nodiant.

Tickets and full programme details are available from the North Wales International Music Festival website. Tickets can also be purchased from Cathedral Frames in St Asaph and Theatr Clwyd.

Photo: Andrew Wilkinson

The workshop at Ysgol y Moelwyn in Blaenau Ffestiniog proved to be a highly popular ingredient in Gwynedd Council's three-week long Food and Fun activities programme.

Supporting the young cooks were Harlech Foodservice's business development manager Ursula Scurrah-Price and regional sales controller Dave Roberts.

The family-run company, which supplies Gwynedd schools during term time, donated the ingredients and assisted the children with their culinary creations.

The mini masterchefs were given dough to roll out before spreading tomato sauce and adding a selection of tasty ingredients with a cheesy topping.

They even had a chance to display their artistic flair as they added designs to their own pizza boxes, and had a choice of eating the food there and then or taking it home to their families.

Ursula Scurrah-Price said: "As a company, Harlech really enjoys getting involved in these kinds of community initiatives.

"We donate all the ingredients needed for the pizzas, we stock all the raw materials at Harlech, and bring it all together.

"I go through the process of making a pizza with the children step by step, and the idea is they make it themselves and have fun doing it.

"The activities the children enjoy during the sessions are always fun and healthy and there is a real variety of activities to enjoy.

"The programme has really developed over the years and we are happy to be making this kind of contribution to the community."

Ursula, who is running pizza sessions at three schools in Gwynedd and three in Denbighshire this summer, added: "Harlech have been doing the sessions for about eight or nine years and I have been personally doing the sessions for about five years.

"It's great to see the kids enjoying themselves, learning new things and having so much fun."

Dave Roberts said: "The Food and Fun sessions are such an important community programme.

"There are so many positives to it, including teaching children to cook, which is such a key skill, a skill for life.

"And another positive is that parents have childcare within the school during the holidays.

"It also teaches them about food supply and supporting local Welsh producers.

"It is really important, as a Welsh business and based locally, that we try to buy as many products as we can from Wales and its producers.

"It is about shortening the supply chain and supporting local producers, helping local farmers, communities and businesses, and keeping the pound in Wales."

Children attending the programme start their day with a healthy breakfast, take part in the activity of the day and then enjoy a healthy lunch before heading home.

The youngsters were helped in putting their pizzas together by Ysgol y Moelwyn teaching assistants Lisa Thomas, Marion Hughes and Cai Williams.

Lisa said an added advantage of running the programme was that it gave youngsters who would be joining the secondary school in September a chance to get used to the premises and meet new friends.

She said: "A lot of the children here are coming up from Year 6 at their primary schools and will be Year 7 students here in September, so these sessions get them used to this school.

"It helps give them confidence if they are a bit anxious about coming to a new school, and also a chance to make friends because they are coming from different primary schools, there are six different primary schools in our area.

"The Food and Fun sessions run for 12 days over three weeks and it gets them out of the house and off their screens and they are learning new skills, socialising and enjoying different activities.

"Harlech's support for the programme is wonderful, you can't fault them.

"They are an amazing company anyway, they supply the school kitchen and work very closely with us and meet our every need as a school."

Food and Fun programme coordinator for Gwynedd Council Elliw Lewis Jones thanked Harlech Foodservice for supporting the Welsh Government-backed initiative.

She said: “All I can do really is thank Harlech because they have been very, very supportive of the programme.

“It is nice to show the children that food like pizzas can be homemade using nutritious ingredients, and they can have fun doing it, rather than just throwing a frozen pizza in to the oven.”

The pizzas went down a treat with the children.

Cory, 11, said: "Making the pizzas was really good, I added a lot of ingredients to mine including sweetcorn, chicken, peppers and mushroom."

Eleven-year-old Maisie said: "I enjoyed making the pizzas, it has been really good fun.

"I have made them before, but not in a school, and have put sweetcorn and pineapple on mine.

“I have been at Food and Fun every day and it's been good.”

Beca, 11, said: "Making the pizzas was a lot of fun.”

“I have made them before, in Italy on holiday, and at home, and really like them.”

The college marked the national awareness day on Thursday 6 August by highlighting another successful year for its students, apprentices, staff and employer partners.

Supported by Enginuity, the UK-wide campaign aims to challenge outdated perceptions of technical education and celebrate the important role vocational pathways, apprenticeships, specialist qualifications and employer-led training play in communities, businesses and the wider economy.

The celebration comes after another record-breaking year for Coleg Cambria, with learners achieving 68 honours at Skills Competition Wales, including 19 medals.

Among those celebrating success is Tomas Ankers, who is preparing to represent the college at this autumn’s WorldSkills Shanghai finals after qualifying in CNC Milling.

Coleg Cambria’s business training arm, Cambria for Business, has also received national recognition through professional institute awards, including the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) and IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers) Learner of the Year Awards.

Lauren Travis, an engineer with Village Bakery, was among those recognised for her achievements.

Nick Tyson, Vice Principal and Director of Business and Partnerships at Coleg Cambria, said the celebration highlighted the impact vocational education can have.

“Vocational Celebration Day recognises something we see every day at the college - that technical education provides opportunities, transforms lives, strengthens businesses and helps drive the economy,” he said.

“It is a chance to celebrate not only the achievements of our learners and apprentices, but also the employers who invest in developing future talent alongside us.”

He said partnerships with businesses across sectors including advanced manufacturing, engineering, construction, healthcare, leadership and management help learners develop the skills and confidence employers need.

“The success we’ve seen this year - from MAKE UK national award winners, to our record-breaking performance at Skills Competition Wales to learners preparing for the WorldSkills UK finals - demonstrates the outstanding talent we have across North Wales,” he added.

Across its campuses in Deeside, Yale, Bersham Road, Northop and Llysfasi, Coleg Cambria works with hundreds of employers to deliver industry-focused education, apprenticeships and professional training.

The college’s partnerships with major organisations including Airbus, TATA Steel, Kronospan, Kingspan, Village Bakery, Kellanova, Shotton Mill, Toyota, JCB and Convatec continue to support the development of future skills across the region.

A new leadership and management programme with Siemens Healthineers in Llanberis is the latest example of the college working with employers to help develop the skilled workforce needed by the regional economy.

The celebrations also highlighted the work taking place at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road campus in Wrexham, which is home to many of the college’s technical and vocational programmes.

The campus delivers Wales’ first fully funded Construction Degree Apprenticeships, in partnership with Wrexham University, allowing learners to earn while they learn while progressing into careers including civil engineering, construction management, building surveying and quantity surveying.

Karl Jackson, Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology and Site Lead at Bersham Road, said vocational education was about preparing learners for real-world careers.

“Every day we see learners develop the confidence, technical expertise and professionalism that employers are looking for, so it is fantastic to have a national celebration recognising those achievements,” he said.

“Vocational education is about much more than gaining a qualification. It is about developing real-world skills, solving practical challenges and preparing for rewarding careers in industries that are vital to our economy.”

Coleg Cambria says its close work with employers and industry partners will continue to shape courses that respond to regional and national skills needs, ensuring learners leave with the skills required to make an immediate impact in the workplace.

The Met Office says conditions are set to turn warmer from the weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching heatwave levels in many areas.

Wales has already experienced a summer of extreme weather, including record-breaking temperatures and drought conditions, before some welcome rainfall arrived this week.

The recent showers have been welcomed by farmers and firefighters, with the cooler conditions providing some relief after a prolonged period of dry weather.

However, the heat is expected to return, with the possibility of parts of Wales meeting the Met Office definition of a heatwave.

For Wales, a heatwave is declared when a location records daily maximum temperatures of 25C or higher for at least three consecutive days. In some parts of south-east Wales, the threshold is slightly higher at 26C.

According to the latest Met Office forecasts, temperatures are expected to rise above that level in parts of Wales from Sunday and continue into the start of next week.

In North Wales, the warmest conditions are expected on Tuesday, with temperatures of around 28C forecast across parts of North East Wales, while many other areas could see highs of 26C or 27C.

Coastal areas, including parts of North West Wales, may see slightly lower temperatures because of the cooling influence of the Irish Sea, although sunny spells and warm conditions are still expected.

Health officials are reminding people to take care during periods of hot weather, particularly older people, those with underlying health conditions, young children and anyone working outdoors.

Advice includes staying hydrated, avoiding too much direct sun around the hottest part of the day, using sun protection and checking on vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives.

The return of hotter weather also comes as Wales continues to recover from the impacts of dry conditions earlier in the summer. Water companies and emergency services have previously urged people to use water responsibly and remain cautious around open countryside due to the increased risk of fires.

Forecasters say the exact strength and duration of the heat will become clearer over the coming days, but North Wales is likely to see a significant rise in temperatures after the recent cooler and wetter spell.

The All-Wales Breastfeeding in the Workplace Line Managers Toolkit is the result of a major collaboration between Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government, trade unions, employers, NHS organisations and the third sector. It has been published by Healthy Working Wales to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week.

The toolkit was developed after the Welsh Partnership Forum identified a need for practical guidance to help employers and line managers support breastfeeding employees. Evidence presented to the forum highlighted the difficulties many women face when returning to work, often leading to breastfeeding ending earlier than planned.

Designed for immediate use, the toolkit provides practical advice on employers' legal responsibilities, guidance on suitable facilities for expressing and storing breast milk, and includes a Breastfeeding Charter that organisations can adopt to demonstrate their commitment to supporting staff.

The initiative aims to promote a consistent approach across workplaces in Wales, helping employers create environments where breastfeeding employees feel supported rather than disadvantaged.

According to the World Health Organization, babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, before continuing breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for two years or beyond. However, many mothers encounter practical and workplace-related barriers that make this difficult after maternity leave ends.

Public Health Wales says creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces is not only beneficial for families but also makes good business sense. Research suggests organisations that support breastfeeding can improve staff retention, reduce recruitment and training costs, and lower sickness absence by promoting the health and wellbeing of both mothers and babies.

Rachel Bath, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Wales, said the toolkit was created in direct response to concerns raised by partners across Wales.

"This toolkit is the result of partners across Wales coming together to respond to an identified need. The Welsh Partnership Forum recognised that women can face significant challenges in continuing breastfeeding when they return to work and asked for practical guidance that employers could use.

"The output of this collaborative work is a practical toolkit shaped by the people who will use it, helping organisations create environments that support breastfeeding and give babies the best start in life."

The launch reflects a wider commitment across Wales to ensure breastfeeding is supported not only within families and healthcare settings but also in workplaces, where many mothers spend much of their time after returning to employment.

Employers are being encouraged to use the toolkit to review their own policies and facilities, helping to create inclusive workplace cultures that enable mothers to continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose.

Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper brought together representatives from UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd, local authorities, trunk road agents and North Wales Police following recent incidents and growing concern over the impact of traffic management on communities and businesses.

The meeting focused on compliance issues, recent events on the bridge, the progress of maintenance work and the disruption being experienced by people travelling between Ynys Môn and the mainland.

Mark Hooper said communities had been "let down for far too long" by the situation and pledged that the Welsh Government was acting with urgency.

"People on Ynys Môn and across the north of Wales have been let down for far too long on the Menai Bridge," he said.

"This government is acting with urgency to put solutions in place. We are accelerating work to deliver a long-term solution and I will be updating on this work in the autumn."

He said immediate action was also needed to deal with current issues and described the meeting as an opportunity to identify practical measures that could reduce disruption.

The Deputy Minister stressed that the safety and welfare of everyone involved remained the highest priority and condemned recent abuse directed at workers carrying out the bridge repairs.

"The recent behaviour directed at those working on site is completely unacceptable," he said.

"No one should be harassed or abused whilst doing their job."

He added that discussions were continuing on ways to minimise future unplanned bridge closures, including the possible use of camera technology, improved compliance measures and closer partnership working on enforcement.

During the meeting, those present also highlighted concerns over how traffic management information is communicated to the public.

Issues raised included confusion over road layouts, diversion routes, signage and the impact on journey times for residents and businesses on both sides of the Menai Strait.

Mr Hooper acknowledged that communication needed to improve and said there had been clear agreement among all partners that more regular and effective updates were required.

"I am committed to ensuring regular updates on the progress of the works being made and the challenges that remain are provided to the local community," he said.

He added that he would remain in close contact with UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd and partner organisations to ensure agreed actions are implemented quickly, the maintenance programme remains on schedule and any new issues are identified and resolved as soon as possible.

The Welsh Government says it is continuing to accelerate work on a long-term solution for the Menai Suspension Bridge, with a further update expected in the autumn.

Janet Finch-Saunders MS has criticised the scale of Conwy County Borough Council’s proposed parking and traffic restrictions, which include the introduction of extensive new double yellow lines, overnight motorhome parking restrictions, changes to loading arrangements and a new one-way system on Trinity Avenue.

The proposals are currently open to public consultation, with residents and businesses able to submit their views until 28 August.

Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Bangor Conwy Môn, said she understood why many people were concerned about the potential impact of the changes.

“I am extremely concerned by the scale of these proposed restrictions and understand why many residents and businesses are worried about the potential impact they could have on everyday life in Llandudno,” she said.

“While I recognise the need to improve road safety where there is clear evidence, any changes must be proportionate and properly justified.

“Measures of this scale risk creating unnecessary difficulties for residents, affecting local businesses and making it harder for people to access the town.”

She encouraged those affected by the plans to take part in the consultation process and make their views known before any decisions are finalised.

“It is vital that the Council listens carefully to local people and is prepared to reconsider any proposals that do not have community support,” she added.

Conwy County Borough Council’s consultation remains open until 28 August, giving residents, businesses and visitors the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes.

The council has been approached for comment.

The team will take part in the COPS Unity Tour, cycling from Aberystwyth to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire over three days as part of a nationwide event supporting the charity Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

Founded in 2003, COPS provides vital support to families of police officers and staff who have died while serving, helping them cope with the loss of a loved one and ensuring they remain part of the wider policing family.

The Police Unity Tour began in the UK in 2013, inspired by a similar event in the United States. The Welsh Chapter brings together officers and staff from all four Welsh police forces, who join riders from across the UK for the final journey to the National Memorial Arboretum, where a special service will take place on Sunday.

Each rider will carry a wristband commemorating a police colleague who died in the line of duty, with the bands carried proudly across the finish line in their memory.

Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn, who is taking part in the event for the eighth time, said the ride was about much more than the physical challenge.

“Taking part in the Police Unity Tour is much more than completing a challenging ride,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to honour the memory of colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice and to show that they, and their families, will never be forgotten.

“I’m proud to ride alongside colleagues from across the UK as we raise awareness and vital funds for a charity that continues to stand by police families when they need it the most.”

North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman KPM said COPS holds a special place within the policing community.

“Care of Police Survivors is a charity that holds a very special place within the policing family, and one that is particularly close to my heart,” she said.

“The support it provides to families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty is invaluable and helps ensure they continue to feel part of the police family during the most difficult of times.

“The Police Unity Tour is a fitting tribute to those officers and staff who made the ultimate sacrifice, while also raising awareness and funds for a cause that makes such a real difference.

“I am proud to be supporting the Welsh Chapter this year and wish everyone taking part a safe and successful journey to the National Memorial Arboretum.”

More than £1,000 has already been raised for COPS through kind donations, including support from vendors who attended the North Wales Police Open Day in May.

Donations can still be made through the team’s official fundraising page.

Throughout the weekend, riders will be supported by the North Wales Police Welfare Van, while several organisations have helped provide food and refreshments for those taking part, including Village Bakery, Tesco, Morrisons and the North Wales Police Group Insurance Scheme.

The team’s journey is expected to be a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers and staff across the country, while helping ensure bereaved families continue to receive the support they need.

More information about the Police Unity Tour is available through the official website: https://ukpoliceunitytour.org/

Further details about Care of Police Survivors can be found at: https://ukcops.org/

Conwy Coastguard Rescue Team was called out on Tuesday evening after reports of someone in difficulty in the river.

A member of the Coastguard team who lives nearby was quickly on scene and was able to identify the casualty’s exact location, allowing Conwy Lifeboat to be directed straight to her.

The woman was found in a barely conscious condition and was quickly brought aboard the lifeboat before being taken back to Conwy Quay, where an ambulance was waiting.

She received immediate treatment for hypothermia before being taken to hospital for further medical care.

Conwy Coastguard said the incident highlighted the importance of quick thinking, teamwork and the vital role played by members of the public and emergency responders.

“On this occasion, prompt action from a member of the public and coordinated working from several emergency services resulted in a life being saved,” the team said.

The Coastguard has reminded anyone who sees someone in danger or distress around the coast, rivers or waterways to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The Coastguard is Britain’s only national emergency service dedicated to coordinating responses to maritime incidents, helping those in danger around the coastline and at sea.

Among the biggest moments so far has been the crowning and chairing ceremonies, the unveiling of a historic Welsh-language version of Star Wars: A New Hope, and the launch of a new Welsh Government consultation on a 10-year strategy for culture, sport and the creative industries.

North Wales has also enjoyed a successful week.

One of the festival's most prestigious literary honours, the Prose Medal, was awarded to Anglesey author Gareth Evans-Jones, whose winning work was chosen from a record-breaking field of 28 entries. Judges described the standard as exceptionally high and said the future of Welsh-language prose was "very bright indeed".

Originally from Traeth Bychan, near Marian-glas, Gareth is now a lecturer at Bangor University and is already well known in Welsh literary circles, having previously won the National Eisteddfod Drama Medal twice. His latest success adds another major accolade to an impressive career spanning novels, poetry, children's books and theatre.

As the Eisteddfod enters its penultimate full day on Thursday, attention turns to another packed programme celebrating achievement across science, literature, music and drama, with several North Wales organisations and performers taking centre stage.

The first major ceremony sees the presentation of the Dr Glyn O Phillips Medal, recognising an outstanding contribution to science and technology through the medium of Welsh. The award honours the late Dr Glyn O Phillips, who came from Rhosllannerchrugog and was the first recipient of the medal in 2004.

Later in the afternoon, the Playwright's Medal will be presented, with the winner receiving not only a £3,000 prize but an extensive package of mentoring and development opportunities through a partnership involving leading Welsh theatre companies.

North Wales is strongly represented in that partnership through Bangor-based Frân Wen, Theatr Bara Caws, and Mold's Theatr Clwyd.

Frân Wen will also stage its popular One-Night Theatre production on Thursday evening, where a team of performers create and stage an entirely new production in just 24 hours. Meanwhile, Theatr Bara Caws will perform Dadra as part of the evening programme.

Music takes centre stage in the Pavilion with the Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize, one of the Eisteddfod's most prestigious competitions for young solo singers. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the competition has launched the careers of many of Wales' leading voices, while former winner Trystan Llŷr Griffiths returns to adjudicate the contest.

Another musical highlight promises to be Atgof o'r Sêr (Memory of the Stars), first performed at the National Eisteddfod in Denbigh in 2001. The performance reunites eight former Eisteddfod winners under the baton of acclaimed North Wales composer Robat Arwyn.

Elsewhere, learners of Welsh will discover the winners of the Learners' Chair and Learners' Prose competitions, while successful competitors in the festival's written competitions will receive their awards during a special ceremony in Maes D.

After Thursday, there will be just two days remaining before this year's National Eisteddfod draws to a close with its traditional final ceremonies.

The festival will then move to Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2027, where Wales' largest celebration of language, literature, music and the arts will continue its proud tradition for another year.

Conwy County Borough Council confirmed the official rights of way are once again accessible after being closed while emergency services tackled the blaze and the area was made safe.

However, the authority is urging walkers to remain on designated public footpaths, warning that large parts of the hillside have suffered extensive fire damage.

Particular caution has been issued around sections of the informal route known as Dribblers Ridge, where the fire has left the ground and vegetation badly affected.

The reopening marks another step towards recovery following one of the most significant wildfires to hit the area in recent years.

At the height of the incident, a major multi-agency response was launched as flames spread rapidly across Conwy Mountain above Capelulo and Sychnant Pass. Around 36 properties were evacuated as a precaution, with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service receiving assistance from neighbouring fire services, Natural Resources Wales, North Wales Police and Conwy County Borough Council.

Residents were later allowed to return home after firefighters brought the blaze under control, but the fire left extensive areas of heathland and vegetation scorched.

Wildfires not only destroy habitats for wildlife but can also leave hidden hazards, including unstable ground, damaged vegetation and weakened tree roots, which may not be immediately obvious to visitors.

Conwy County Borough Council said public footpaths have now been inspected and reopened but is asking everyone enjoying the area to stick to the marked routes.

The council's advice comes as authorities continue to remind people to take extra care in the countryside during the summer months, with prolonged dry spells significantly increasing the risk of wildfires across North Wales.

Anyone visiting the area is also being encouraged to act responsibly by avoiding lighting fires or disposable barbecues, taking litter home and reporting any signs of fire immediately to the emergency services.

The Welsh Government says the Unlocking Wales’ Potential consultation will help shape a new approach to culture, sport and the creative industries, with the aim of making participation, creativity and excellence a central part of everyday life.

For the first time, sport and the creative industries will be included alongside culture in a national strategy, with measurable actions planned for each sector.

The first discussions will take place at the National Eisteddfod, with engagement events planned across Wales over the coming months involving communities, organisations and representatives from across the cultural, sporting and creative sectors.

Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan said the process marked the beginning of a new chapter for Wales.

“This initial conversation at the Eisteddfod will be the start of a new chapter for culture and sport in Wales, as we discuss how they can unlock the potential of our nation,” she said.

“I’m excited that we are beginning a journey towards a new strategy and long-term vision for these sectors which are at the core of our national identity.

“Across Wales, we are already seeing amazing and pioneering work in these areas which is transforming lives, but we can go further.”

The Minister said the consultation would give people across Wales the opportunity to help shape the future direction of the sectors.

“I’m looking forward to hearing ideas from people and organisations on how we can unleash Wales’ true potential by taking a fresh look at a culture and sport strategy,” she added.

The call for evidence will run until 18 December, with the findings expected to be published in spring 2027. They will help form the basis of the new strategy and individual action plans for each sector.

The Welsh Government says the ambition is to create a Wales where access to culture, sport and creativity is viewed not as an optional extra, but as an essential part of national life.