Figures from Report Fraud, released by the City of London Police, show £93.8 million was lost through fraud by abuse of position during 2025/26.

People aged 70 and over accounted for more than £51 million of those reported losses, with those aged 80 to 89 suffering the highest number of reports and the highest financial losses in any age group.

There were 3,812 reports of this type of fraud during the year.

Abuse of position happens when someone exploits a position of trust or authority to gain access to another person's money, property or assets. Offenders can include relatives, friends, carers, employees or others trusted to manage someone's financial affairs.

The figures have particular relevance in Wales, where financial abuse is recognised as a safeguarding concern under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act.

Welsh Government safeguarding statistics show that 265 financial-abuse concerns resulted in care and support protection plans across Wales in 2023-24. The official figures cover all 22 local authorities, including Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Anglesey.

Welsh Government guidance describes financial abuse as including having money or property stolen, being defrauded, being put under pressure over money or property, or having money or property misused.

The City of London Police figures reveal that 764 reports involved the misuse of powers of attorney, with reported losses of £34.6 million.

A further 444 reports involved social care workers, with reported losses of £13.3 million.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the City of London Police Lead Force Operations Room, said the offences could be particularly devastating because they were committed by people trusted to act in the victim's best interests.

He said the fact that people aged 70 and over had more than £51 million stolen highlighted the significant threat to older and sometimes vulnerable people.

Cases can involve relatives or close friends taking bank cards or banking details, making unauthorised transfers, or exploiting access to accounts.

Police also found cases where alleged abuse continued after a person's death, including the manipulation of wills, estates and other legal documents.

The warning comes as Welsh Government figures show that safeguarding remains a significant issue for older people receiving care and support. In 2024-25, more than half of adults receiving care and support in Wales were aged 75 or over.

People are being urged to look out for unexplained withdrawals, unpaid bills, missing possessions or unexpected changes to bank accounts or wills.

Anyone who suspects financial abuse should contact the person's bank or card provider as soon as possible. Safeguarding concerns can also be raised with the local authority's adult social care team.

Concerns about a solicitor or deputy misusing their position can be reported to the Office of the Public Guardian.

The City of London Police says families, carers and anyone responsible for managing another person's financial affairs should remain vigilant and act quickly if something does not appear right.

On-call firefighter Joey, who serves with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, travelled to Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday to take part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

The event saw firefighters climb the equivalent of 110 storeys, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers, in memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives responding to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

This year's event has added significance as 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

The Atlanta climb brought together firefighters from across the United States, the UK and other countries. Organisers say more than 1,200 US and international firefighters are taking part in the wider 2026 memorial event, with firefighters from more than 48 UK and Irish fire and rescue services represented.

The memorial climbs have become an important tradition within the international fire service. Participants climb around 2,200 steps, symbolically completing the journey undertaken by firefighters who raced into the World Trade Center to rescue those trapped inside.

The first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb was held in Denver in 2005, when five firefighters climbed 110 floors in memory of their fallen colleagues. The event has since grown into a series of climbs held across the United States and internationally.

For Joey, taking part was both a physical challenge and a deeply personal act of remembrance.

He said: “I am immensely proud to have travelled to Atlanta to take part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, it was a profound honour. Climbing those stairs in remembrance of the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day was both physically demanding and deeply moving.”

The climb is not simply about remembering those who died. Events organised through the memorial programme also help support firefighters and the families of fallen firefighters through programmes run by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organisations.

The 9/11 attacks killed almost 3,000 people, including 343 members of the New York City Fire Department who died while responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center. The consequences for the emergency services have continued long after that day, with firefighters and other first responders also suffering serious illnesses linked to their work at Ground Zero.

Joey's participation means the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been represented alongside firefighters from around the world in marking one of the defining moments in modern emergency service history.

And after completing the demanding 110-floor challenge, he has been praised for taking part in a remarkable tribute to the 343.

A huge well done to Joey on completing the challenge and helping to ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten.

S3 Padel Bangor has eight indoor padel courts and four pickleball courts, creating a new venue for people of all ages and abilities to try two of the UK’s fastest-growing racket sports.

The club, at Unit F1, Bryn Llwyd, also includes a social and events area, pro shop, warm-up space, changing facilities and a bar and café serving hot and cold food and drinks.

The opening will be marked by a community open day on Saturday, September 19, with taster sessions for beginners, families and children, alongside music, games, giveaways, food and drinks. Walk-ins will also be welcome.

Padel is played in doubles on a smaller enclosed court surrounded by glass walls. It combines elements of tennis and squash and is designed to be relatively easy for newcomers to pick up.

Pickleball is also available at the new Bangor club. Played with a perforated plastic ball, it can be played in singles or doubles and is known for being accessible to players of different ages and abilities.

S3 Padel is operated by Social Sports Society and says it now has six clubs across England and Wales, with more than 36,000 players using its facilities. Bangor is its first Welsh club.

Natasha Waterfield, Chief Operating Officer of S3 Padel, said Bangor was an exciting step for the organisation.

She said the club was intended to appeal not only to experienced players, but also to people who had never picked up a racket before, families and groups of friends looking for a different way to socialise.

The company also has a commitment to provide 250,000 hours of free court time over five years for schools, charities and community organisations across its clubs, with the scheme extending to Bangor.

Club manager Gavin Williams said the team wanted to make the facility welcoming to everyone, regardless of their previous experience.

The weekly programme includes introductory sessions for beginners, social events, coached sessions and competitive matchplay, as well as dedicated women's sessions, family socials and junior programmes.

The community open day takes place at S3 Padel Bangor, Unit F1, Bryn Llwyd, Bangor, LL57 4SP, from 11am on Saturday, September 19.

Booking details can be found at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/s3-padel-bangor-launch-day-tickets-1999664786205

Courts can be booked through the Playtomic app, while information about the club and the launch event is available through S3 Padel.

The crash happened at around 4.25pm on Saturday, September 5, on the A547 Rhuddlan Road, towards Borth Roundabout.

The motorbike rider and pillion passenger both suffered minor injuries.

Officers are now asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage of the incident, to come forward.

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Wales Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference 26000728928.

The international partnership will see a new award at this year’s Go North Wales Tourism Awards to recognise businesses that keep their door open through the traditionally quieter winter months.

The 4 Seasons Tourism and Sustainability Award is being sponsored by Switzerland’s Region Dents du Midi region which has become a key ally of event organisers North Wales Tourism.

The Oscars-style ceremony to celebrate the heroes of the tourism and hospitality industry will be held at  Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Thursday, November 19.

It’s once again being supported by headline sponsors Harlech Foodservice and the glittering occasion will be hosted by former BBC journalist and TV presenter Sian Lloyd who hails from Wrexham.

The window for submissions is open until Sunday, October 4, and more details can be found at https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website/

The new partnership grew out of the long-standing twinning between Llandudno and the Swiss ski resort of Champéry with the two destinations now sharing ideas and expertise on making the most of tourism throughout the year.

The relationship began more than five years ago with Champéry looking for a Welsh town that offered easy access and great sports facilities including a dry ski slope, Llandudno fitted the bill perfectly.

According to North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones, the Swiss resort is “forging ahead and trailblazing the four seasons approach” with its focus switching from skiing to mountain biking when the snow recedes.

 He said: The relationship is already bringing visitors and athletes in both directions with top young Swiss skiers recently travelling to Llandudno for a summer training camp with the Welsh elite team. The Swiss resort is also very keen to develop stronger links with Welsh mountain bike industry.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to all our sponsors, particularly Harlech Foodservice who have been fantastic champions of the tourism and hospitality sector over many years.

“Harlech are a key employer and also have a real focus on supporting Welsh products and suppliers like Llaeth y Llan yoghurt, Edwards the Welsh Butcher and Snowdonia Cheese which gives visitors to North Wales a real sense of place.”

One of the driving forces behind the new campaign is Ray Pritchard, who was born in Llandudno and raised in Llanfairfechan, before moving to live in Switzerland in the 1990s.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s birthday honours for his pivotal role in establishing the Welsh Alpine Ski Championships in Champéry 20 years ago.

Ray said: We have a fantastic relationship between Champéry, Region Dents du Midi and Llandudno, North Wales which has been developing over the yearsand there is a lot of synergy between the two places and the mindset is very similar.

“The whole idea is to extend the tourism season in both areas in a way that is very complementary to each other.

“As part of the partnership, last year we have launched a Hospitality Excellence Fund with Lord Mostyn looking how we can improve hotel service in North Wales.

“We have also launched a number of other initiatives, including how the mountain biking industry and the small companies involved in both countries can work together for mutual benefit.”

Jim Jones added: “The twinning came about around five years ago because Champéry approached Llandudno Town Council and us and together we have developed this relationship that’s gone from strength to strength.

“They have just hosted the world downhill championships in Champéry so it’s helping to raise their profile and ours.

“Traditionally, tourism in North Wales has been very seasonal with lots of people coming in the summer and then things dying down over the winter months.

“Our aim is to extend the tourism season here around the shoulder months so we can even out the peaks and troughs of income and employment,

“We’ve always pushed to be an all-year-round destination but this campaign will give the drive renewed impetus.

“If we can extend the season it makes tourism more sustainable in so many different ways – benefiting local suppliers and creating more permanent jobs.

“The Region Dents du Midi’s generosity in sponsoring the award will give our celebration a truly international flavour.

“Tourism is still one of our biggest industries in North Wales and over the years we have recognised the contribution of hundreds of businesses for all the good work they do, despite all the challenges they face.

“It’s tough out there at the moment and this is an opportunity to sit back, relax and celebrate our tourism heroes.

“There are so many brilliant things happening here with innovative new ideas and destinations reinventing themselves.

“What we hope is that the Welsh Government will recognise the potential of tourism and work with the industry to create a brighter future for all of us.”

Harlech Foodservice managing director Mark Lawton said he was delighted they were sponsoring the awards again because the company was “passionate” about supporting tourism and creating jobs and prosperity in its North Wales heartland.

He said: “This is our chance to give something back to the businesses and people who have shown incredible resilience, creativity and determination through some very challenging times.

“We passionately believe North Wales has everything it takes to be one of the UK’s must-visit destinations, from stunning scenery and world-class attractions to our unique heritage and culture.”

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on proposals for a single national public energy company, bringing together existing publicly owned energy organisations.

The aim is to increase Welsh ownership of energy projects and ensure more of the economic benefits from Wales’s abundant renewable resources reach communities, businesses and public services.

Wales has some of the best renewable energy resources in Europe, but ministers say more needs to be done to ensure the country benefits financially from the energy it produces.

The proposed company would not replace existing energy suppliers or directly set household energy prices.

However, the Welsh Government says greater Welsh ownership of energy projects could help bring down energy costs over the longer term, while allowing more money to be reinvested in communities and public services.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said Wales was on the verge of another energy revolution.

He said: “We want to make sure that the benefits of that energy are felt by people and communities across Wales, both in jobs and growth but eventually in lower bills too.

“This consultation is about how we can build a stronger Welsh energy sector, support local ownership and create lasting value for future generations.

“It’s about cheaper, cleaner energy that is made and owned in Wales.”

The Welsh Government says it is also continuing to provide immediate support for households struggling with energy costs.

More than £37 million is being invested this year in the Nest scheme, which helps low-income households tackle cold and damp homes through energy efficiency improvements.

Support is also available through fuel vouchers and heating assistance.

The Claim What’s Yours service can help people check whether they are entitled to additional income, while the Nest advice line offers guidance on reducing energy costs and assessing eligibility for free energy efficiency measures.

The consultation is open until 30 November 2026, with people, communities, businesses and organisations across Wales being encouraged to have their say on how the proposed company should operate and what it should deliver.

The incident happened sometime between 5.30pm and 6pm on Friday (August 21).

Three sheep suffered injuries to their hind legs and another sheep remains missing.

North Wales Police Rural Crime Team is appealing to anyone who was walking their dog in the area at the time and may have information about what happened.

PCSO Rhys Evans said: “Anyone who was walking their dog through the fields at the time and has any information is asked to get in touch.

“We are once again urging dog owners to keep dogs on leads whilst walking in fields where livestock are present as not to cause distress or harm to the animals.

“If your dog has escaped in a rural area, you should contact the police as early as possible so local farmers and landowners can be alerted.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101 or through the force's website, quoting reference 26000686983.

Clwyd MS Darren Millar has called for the needs of residents and their families to be placed at the centre of the process after the Codi Group announced plans to close Abbeyfield House facilities in Abergele, Mold and Ruthin.

The Codi Group, which owns and manages the three homes, announced the proposed closures in June.

The news has caused concern among residents, families and staff, with questions raised about where residents will live and what will happen to employees working at the facilities.

Following the announcement, Mr Millar wrote to the Codi Group seeking an explanation for the closures and assurances that residents' needs would be prioritised.

In its response, the organisation said it was “highly unlikely” that the proposed closures would be reversed.

However, it said it would work with local authorities and registered social landlords to identify suitable alternative accommodation and ensure residents' needs are met. The group also said it would manage the process “as sensitively as possible.”

Mr Millar said the announcement had come as a shock to those living and working at the homes.

“News of the closure of these facilities came as a shock to staff, residents and their families.

“It is absolutely vital that vulnerable residents get the support they need from the Codi Group to find alternative housing, and that staff get the help they need to find new jobs.

“Residents have built their lives, friendships and support networks at Abbeyfield over years, so news that these closures will almost certainly go ahead will be extremely difficult news to hear.”

He said finding alternative accommodation should not simply be a case of offering residents the first available property.

“Residents must not simply be moved into the first accommodation that becomes available. Their individual needs, preferences, friendships, support networks and connections to their local community must all be properly considered.”

Abbeyfield homes are designed to provide older people with accommodation alongside varying levels of support and opportunities for social interaction, allowing residents to retain a degree of independence while having help available when needed.

For residents who have lived in the homes for many years, a move could therefore involve more than simply changing their address, potentially affecting established friendships, routines and links with their local communities.

Mr Millar said he would continue to monitor the situation.

“I will continue to monitor this situation closely and will press Codi, the local authorities and other partners to ensure residents and their families are properly supported and kept informed at every stage.”

The force’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) recorded a 60% positive outcome rate for investigations involving the sexual exploitation of children during 2025/26.

That compares with a national average of around 30%.

A positive outcome means action has been taken following an arrest. This can include securing a charge, a summons to court, a postal requisition, a caution or a community or restorative resolution.

The team also refers individuals to support and education programmes aimed at preventing further offending.

Detective Inspector Sofiah Valentine said officers remained committed to tackling online child abuse.

“We continue our unwavering commitment to make North Wales the safest place in the UK by stopping perpetrators of online child abuse.

“The recent figures demonstrate the great work being done to bring perpetrators of online child abuse to justice and protect children from harm.”

However, police are warning parents and carers about the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence.

The Internet Watch Foundation has reported a 26,000% increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material during 2025.

Detective Inspector Valentine said police were increasingly seeing AI-generated indecent images created using innocent photographs posted online.

Her warning comes as children return to school.

“My plea to parents and carers as children go back to school is to think carefully about who can see what you are posting on social media, and what those photos tell the world about your children.

“A photo could tell a perpetrator lots of personal information about a child, such as where they go to school, how old they are and even where they live.

“They could take a family photo and use AI tools to create child abuse imagery.”

Police say there are simple steps parents and carers can take to reduce the risk of children's images being misused.

They recommend keeping social media accounts private and using restricted sharing lists when posting pictures of children.

Parents are also being urged to review existing posts showing a child's face, body or school uniform and consider whether they are still comfortable with the images being publicly available.

They should also check what photographs have been posted by relatives and friends, while being mindful of images published by schools, clubs and other organisations.

Anyone with concerns about online child sexual exploitation can report information to police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Parents can also find online safety advice from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.

Young people can confidentially report sexual images of themselves online through Childline's Report Remove service.

Guidance on AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery is also available from the Internet Watch Foundation.

Specsavers Colwyn Bay donated £1 for every pair of glasses sold throughout August, with customers choosing whether their donation went to North Wales Superkids or The Little Princess Trust.

The campaign raised £217 for North Wales Superkids, which supports disadvantaged children across North Wales, while £229 went to The Little Princess Trust, which provides real-hair wigs for children and young people experiencing hair loss.

The fundraising was given an additional boost when Specsavers colleague Tara Owen donated 14 inches of her hair to The Little Princess Trust, raising a further £250 for the charity.

Andy Deeley, clinical director at Specsavers Colwyn Bay, said supporting local organisations was an important part of the business.

“As a locally owned and run business, supporting our community and the organisations that help local families is really important to us.

“We’re delighted with the amount raised and really grateful to everyone who supported our chosen causes. We’re already looking ahead to our next fundraiser and hoping we can do just as well!”

Tara Owen said donating her hair was something she had wanted to do for some time.

“Cutting my hair was something I’d wanted to do for a while and knowing it would help young people who need the support made it even more meaningful.

“I’d like to thank everyone who donated. It’s fantastic to see how much we’ve been able to raise together.”

Wendy Tarplee-Morris, founder of The Little Princess Trust, thanked the team and customers for their support.

“We are so grateful to all the team and customers at Specsavers Colwyn Bay.

“It’s also wonderful to hear of Tara’s fantastic hair donation and fundraising. This combined support will be a huge help to us as we continue to provide the very best wigs for children with hair loss.”

The combined fundraising from the glasses campaign and Tara’s hair donation comes to £696.

Nature’s Dance, by North Wales composer Cameron Biles-Liddell, will be performed at St Asaph Cathedral on Friday, September 18, as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.

The gritty and atmospheric work was inspired by the composer’s view of the Connah’s Quay gas-fired power station while travelling along the A55.

Cameron, who lives in Hawarden and grew up in Corwen, also drew inspiration from Mathias, the former professor of music at Bangor University who founded the festival in 1972.

The new concerto has been co-commissioned by the North Wales International Music Festival and BBC Radio 3 for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and former Royal Harpist Alis Huws.

The orchestra and Huws will perform the work under the baton of conductor Tianyi Lu.

Cameron said seeing the power station from the A55 was the starting point for the composition.

“The whole theme was inspired when I was driving back from Manchester along the A55 Expressway and I saw the Connah’s Quay power station.

“That was the trigger and what I am seeking to do is champion the county of Flintshire where I live.”

He said listening to Mathias’ harp concerto, alongside music by Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera, helped shape his approach.

“When you think of the harp you naturally think of an angelic, mystical type sound when there's actually a whole lot more to offer from the instrument and it's so richly varied.

“From listening to the Mathias concerto I realised I had to do something different and try to create something that is distinctive and unique.”

Cameron worked closely with Alis Huws during the composition of the piece, with her feedback helping to shape several revisions.

“It began in January when I sent her a sketch of some of my ideas and she played through some of them and offered some practical advice about the harp and since then it's gone through several revisions as a result of her feedback.

“In reality it's a concerto which has been composed for her and I like to think it's got a bit of her style and personality in there.”

Huws became Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales in 2019 and became Royal Harpist following the accession of King Charles III. She was also chosen to perform at the King's coronation in 2023.

Mathias founded the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph in 1972 to promote classical music and make it more accessible across the region. He remained involved with the festival until his death in 1992.

Cameron’s compositions regularly draw on North Wales landscapes, folklore and landmarks. His work Afon yn yr Awyr, inspired by the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, was performed by BBC NOW at the festival in recent years.

The premiere of Nature’s Dance forms part of this year's festival theme, Macrocosm: Music and Conservation.

Artistic Director Professor Paul Mealor said the concert would explore the natural world through three very different pieces.

“The programme examines the natural world and its many wonders, from the beautiful warmth of Vaughan Williams’ ever-popular, The Lark Ascending, via Cameron’s dramatic harp concerto, to the joyous Sixth Symphony of Beethoven – a pioneering piece of programmatic music, depicting rural life with scenes like a brook, peasant dances, and a thunderstorm.”

The North Wales International Music Festival runs from September 10 to 19 at venues in and around St Asaph.

Among the other highlights are the opening concert featuring international opera star Sir Bryn Terfel, the Pendine Young Musician of Wales Grand Final, a performance of Peter and the Wolf narrated by Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes, and a closing choral concert bringing together Anglesey's Encôr and Cardiff choir Hen Nodiant.

The festival is supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Colwinston Charitable Trust, with headline sponsorship from Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust.

Tickets and details of the full programme and free fringe events are available from North Wales International Music Festival.

The college's seven-week Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) summer school welcomed up to 100 school leavers across Deeside and Wrexham, building on the programme's continued growth.

At Deeside, 60 learners took part across five groups, combining classroom and online learning with guest speakers and educational visits to a series of locations including Alton Towers, Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, Bodnant Gardens and Speke Hall.

The programme was designed as a bridge between school and the next stage of education, training or employment, particularly for young people unsure of their future direction or keen to build confidence ahead of September.

Josh Robinson, 16, from Hawarden, will study Carpentry and Joinery at Deeside and has already made new friends at the college.

“I've done some construction with my uncle and love it, and long-term I'd like to use the trade in Australia,” said Josh, a former pupil of St Richard Gwyn High School.

“If I hadn't known about this course, I think I would have got to results day and been more concerned.

“I feel more comfortable and know I have options. That's a big thing for any young person in that position, it makes the future less daunting.”

Lillian Smith, 16, from Shotton, will begin a Health and Social Care course after leaving Elfed High School in Buckley.

“I was nervous about going to college, being more independent and getting here every day, but I feel comfortable doing so now,” she said.

“The facilities are great and I enjoyed the programme. I already know the college and did it with some friends from school - we all enjoyed it and I feel more confident.”

Employability Mentor Georgia Smith said engagement with the programme had continued to rise following the pandemic.

“For many it's like a 'get-ready course' for September,” she said.

“They already know the buildings and facilities, have made friends and immersed themselves in the environment, so they feel welcome and part of the Cambria community.

“For others, the visits were a real eye-opener. We had learners who had never left Flintshire before or been to the beach, so being able to give them those experiences was incredibly rewarding.”

Georgia added the programme also supports families, with trips, travel to and from college, food and drink, and financial support for participants all covered.

Claire Howells, Curriculum Director for Jobs Growth Wales+ at Coleg Cambria Deeside, said: “The record numbers this summer demonstrate how valuable the programme has become.

“Seeing learners grow in confidence, make friends and arrive in September already feeling part of the college community is exactly what we want to achieve.”

Many of the learners will now progress to full-time courses or the wider JGW+ programme, with opportunities across a range of subjects including healthcare, hospitality, retail and childcare.

JGW+ also offers Maths and English GCSE qualifications and pathways towards further education, apprenticeships and employment.

To find out more or join Jobs Growth Wales+ at Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk/college-16-18/subject-areas/jobs-growth-wales-plus/ or email jgwplus@cambria.ac.uk.

The special release marks the landmark 60th anniversary of the franchise, which began its journey in September 1966. This brand-new series builds on the monumental success of the Llantrisant Mint's previous sci-fi collectable coin launch, which saw close to 800,000 coins snapped up by enthusiastic collectors across 60 countries worldwide.

The historic Welsh institution, which manufactures all official UK coinage from its massive, state-of-the-art facility in Rhondda Cynon Taf, will roll out the collection in two separate phases.

The first coin, which launched today, features the legendary Vulcan salute alongside Spock’s iconic phrase, "Live Long & Prosper," and an official "Star Trek 60" hallmark. The second coin, arriving in November, shifts the focus to the franchise's engineering marvels by showcasing four iconic spacecraft spanning multiple generations: the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, Enterprise-NCC-1701-D, U.S.S. Voyager NCC-74656, and the formidable Klingon Bird of Prey.

In a nod to television history, select editions of the coins will feature vivid, printed colour. When the original series debuted in 1966, the cast's bright uniforms were deliberately chosen to pop on the newly emerging colour TV sets of the era.

Local craftsmanship at the South Wales site mirrors that striking visual effect by embedding swirling blue and purple space nebulas onto the coins' surfaces, ensuring they stand out just as strikingly today.

From humble television beginnings, Star Trek has grown into one of the most influential media empires in modern history, boasting 12 television series, over 950 episodes, and 14 feature films. Its real-world impact is equally profound; eight real-world asteroids have been named in its honour, while over 413,000 people are currently learning the fictional Klingon language on Duolingo.

Tim Mulhall, Head of Fandom at The Royal Mint, expressed great pride in the collaboration, stating that it is a privilege for the Welsh team to boldly go and celebrate six decades of a franchise that continues to inspire fans across the galaxy.

Ruth Henriquez, Vice President of Products & Experiences at Paramount EMEA, echoed the sentiment, noting that the deep affection British fans share for the universe makes it a natural fit for a lasting, treasured keepsake.

The legal tender collectable coins went on sale this morning via The Royal Mint's website.

Local fans can also expect to see the coins spotlighted at The Royal Mint Experience, the site's popular visitor centre in Llantrisant, which attracts tourists from all across the UK. Prices for the pieces start from £19.95, and high demand is expected from coin collectors and Trekkies alike.

The festival runs until September 13, with headline performances at Llangollen Town Hall alongside a much wider programme of free concerts, workshops, family activities, spoken word and pop-up events in venues across the town.

Among this year's headline names are Mr Scruff, Skinny Lister, Ryan Young, BCUC, Talisk, Nubiyan Twist, Gwenno, Kasai Masai and The Selecter.

The festival opens with comedian Andrew Maxwell, known for Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and Mock the Week, at the Town Hall tomorrow night.

On Saturday, electronic music producer Mr Scruff and MC Kwasi take over the venue.

The programme then moves between Welsh-language music, Scottish folk, jazz, soul, African and Congolese music, 2-Tone and contemporary folk, reflecting the international outlook that has become a feature of the Fringe.

Artists this year are coming from Wales and the UK as well as countries including South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Canada.

But it is the festival's free programme which gives Llangollen Fringe much of its distinctive character.

The Music Around Town programme on Sunday, September 6 and Saturday, September 12 will see free live music spread between Gales' Wine Bar, The Hand Hotel, The Three Eagles and Bridge End Hotel, with performers ranging from folk and acoustic music to jazz, rock and more experimental sounds.

There's also a strong emphasis on traditional music through Trad Lab, with free workshops and sessions giving people the chance to learn and participate rather than simply watch. Activities include Welsh traditional singing, Arabic folk singing and workshops involving instruments and arranging traditional tunes.

A new addition for 2026 is Scotland Introducing, a partnership with Showcase Scotland Expo bringing emerging Scottish folk artists to Llangollen. Performers include Mairi McGillivray, Abigail Pryde, Luke Daniels Trio, Niamh Corkey and Findlay Napier.

There is plenty aimed at families and younger audiences too, including percussion, puppetry and poetry activities. On September 12, children can meet the prehistoric world at The Dinosaurs Are Back! and take part in a dinosaur workshop.

The festival also reaches beyond music, with spoken-word events, storytelling, creative workshops and opportunities for people to contribute their own work.

Among the more unusual events is The Legendary High & Mighty, a free storytelling event at Castell Dinas Brân on the final Sunday of the festival, combining a walk up to the historic hilltop castle with stories and folklore.

There will also be a free spoken-word showcase at Gales' Wine Bar, while Canadian singer-songwriter Dave Gunning and Welsh-Arabic ensemble Panedeni are among the artists appearing during the festival.

Panedeni's performance is a good example of the cultural mix the Fringe has developed, bringing together Welsh and Arabic musical traditions with songs performed in several languages.

The Fringe has an unusually long history for an event of its size. It began in July 1997, originally operating from an improvised tent on an out-of-town playing field. It later moved through a converted weavers' shed before establishing its home in Llangollen Town Hall.

Over almost three decades, the volunteer-run festival has hosted artists from Wales and around the world, including Cerys Matthews, Charlotte Church, The Beat, The Blockheads and Sir Andrew Motion.

The organisers say the original aim of providing entertainment and education for the community has developed into a broader ambition to promote cultural, social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Artistic Director Neal Thompson said there was a real buzz building around this year's festival.

He said: “We’ve got ten brilliant nights at the Town Hall, with artists coming here from across Wales and the UK, as well as South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Canada and beyond.”

Tickets remain available for the headline performances, while a limited number of ten-night Festival Passes are available for £120.

However, a large part of the programme can be enjoyed without buying a ticket, making the Fringe as much a town-wide cultural event as a series of ticketed concerts.

Llangollen Fringe runs from September 4 to 13.

Details of the full programme, tickets and free events are available from the Llangollen Fringe website.

The businesses – based in Mold, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Ruthin and Anglesey – were among almost 660 employers across the UK included in the latest Government enforcement action.

Together, the six North Wales employers were found to have underpaid 50 workers by £13,617.81.

The figures are arrears identified by the Government and are money workers were legally entitled to receive.

The latest national crackdown has resulted in around £4 million being repaid to more than 27,000 workers, while employers responsible have been issued with penalties totalling £7 million.

The Government says the latest list is the first naming round since the Fair Work Agency was established in April, bringing enforcement of workers’ rights under one roof.

The agency is initially focusing on minimum wage enforcement, but is also expected to tackle breaches involving holiday and sick pay.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Short-changing your staff isn’t a shortcut to success” and said the Government was determined to stamp out the practice.

He added that most employers understood their responsibilities and that the Government wanted to ensure businesses had access to guidance and support to comply with the law.

The latest figures also underline how the minimum wage has risen. Since April 2026, workers aged 21 and over are entitled to at least £12.71 an hour, while the rate is £10.85 for 18 to 20-year-olds and £8 for workers under 18 and eligible apprentices.

Employers who discover that they have underpaid staff are required to pay the arrears, while financial penalties can also be imposed.

Workers who believe they have been underpaid can check their pay and seek advice through the Government and Acas.

The Government stresses that paying the minimum wage is not optional – it is a legal requirement.