The life-size figures were officially unveiled during a ceremony at Hillside Gardens near Gwaenysgor on Thursday, October 29, marking their return after being damaged in August 2024.

Originally commissioned by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the sculptures were created by Rossett-based chainsaw artist Simon O’Rourke and installed at the site in 2017.

Looking out towards the sea, the two figures represent walkers from different periods in history. One depicts a modern-day walker, reflecting the nearby Offa’s Dyke National Trail, while the other portrays a walker from the 1920s, representing the era in which the shelter at Hillside Gardens was built.

The sculptures had become a familiar feature of the popular viewpoint, attracting visitors and providing a distinctive reminder of the area's walking heritage.

However, they were removed in August 2024 after vandals knocked them from their platform and damaged their hands.

Following restoration work by Mr O’Rourke, the figures have now been returned, with their unveiling bringing together those involved in ensuring they could once again take their place at Hillside Gardens.

Mr O’Rourke said he had been excited to create something that would leave a lasting legacy in such a beautiful location when originally commissioned.

He said the sculptures had become part of the community over the years, with many people taking photographs and enjoying them, adding that it had been encouraging to see so many people work together to make their restoration possible.

Councillor Will Price, Lead Member for Planning, Countryside and Safer Communities, said it was fantastic to see the sculptures back at Hillside Gardens.

He thanked the council's countryside services, Simon O’Rourke, Prestatyn Town Council and local members for their perseverance and efforts in returning the figures to a place where they mean so much to the community.

Conwy County Borough Council says its Council Tax team has received reports of fraudulent emails telling residents they have a credit on their Council Tax account.

The messages are designed to encourage people to follow links or make contact using details provided in the email, potentially exposing them to requests for sensitive information or fraudulent websites.

The warning also applies to telephone calls and text messages claiming to be from the council.

Residents are being advised not to click on links, open attachments, call telephone numbers supplied in suspicious messages or provide personal, banking or login details. Anyone receiving a suspected scam should report it as junk or phishing and delete it.

The latest warning highlights how fraudsters are increasingly exploiting people's trust in familiar organisations, using the prospect of a refund, outstanding payment or account adjustment to encourage them to act without checking whether the communication is genuine.

Council Tax is particularly suitable for this type of impersonation because most households are familiar with receiving correspondence from their local authority and may be tempted by the prospect of money being returned to them.

The scale of the wider problem is reflected in figures published by the Office for National Statistics. Its Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated there were around 4.2 million incidents of fraud in the year ending March 2025, a 31% increase on the previous year.

The ONS also found that around 71% of fraud victims experienced some form of emotional impact, with people reporting feelings of anger, shock and a loss of confidence or increased vulnerability.

Government figures have also highlighted the extent of online-enabled fraud. An estimated 56% of fraud incidents in the year ending March 2025 involved an online element, equivalent to around 2.3 million incidents.

Criminals are attracted to these scams because they can contact large numbers of people at relatively little cost, often without needing to know anything about their intended victims beforehand. Emails and text messages can be sent in bulk, while convincing copies of official branding and websites can make fraudulent communications appear genuine.

Artificial intelligence is also creating additional challenges, allowing criminals to produce more convincing written messages and impersonations. This means traditional warning signs, such as poor spelling and grammar, cannot always be relied upon.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has repeatedly highlighted the importance of protecting personal information and recognising the risks associated with online activity.

In October, he joined North Wales Police and Get Safe Online in a campaign encouraging residents to protect their identities, warning that personal information can be used by criminals to build up a picture of an individual and potentially access their accounts.

The advice included using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-step verification, keeping devices and software updated and thinking carefully about the personal information shared on social media.

More recently, in September, Mr Dunbobbin and North Wales Police joined Get Safe Online to issue further warnings to students returning to colleges and universities across North Wales. The advice highlighted increasingly convincing emails, texts and telephone calls impersonating banks and other trusted organisations, including communications which may have been created using artificial intelligence.

The message from the Police and Crime Commissioner's office is that people should pause before clicking links, opening attachments or giving anyone access to their accounts or devices.

For anyone concerned about the Conwy Council Tax scam, the council says genuine help and advice is available directly from its Council Tax team on 01492 576607, by emailing counciltax@conwy.gov.uk or visiting www.conwy.gov.uk/counciltax.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or fallen victim to the scam can report it to Conwy Trading Standards at trading.standards@conwy.gov.uk.

Residents are also encouraged to remind older relatives, friends and neighbours to be cautious about unexpected messages and never to disclose banking or personal information in response to unsolicited contact.

Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Môn, says she is increasingly hearing from constituents who are struggling to access mental health services, including people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

She has highlighted figures showing that 72.7% of adults in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area received a mental health assessment within 28 days, below the Welsh Government's target of 80%.

For children and young people, the figures have also raised concerns, with just 36% receiving a therapeutic intervention within 28 days of their initial assessment during the 2024/25 financial year.

The figures reflect two different stages of the mental health pathway, and highlight a distinction between being assessed and actually receiving treatment.

However, more recent information from the health board suggests that some progress has been made.

A Welsh Government report covering March 2025 recorded adult assessments within 28 days at 72.7%, but by July 2026 Betsi Cadwaladr reported that both its main adult assessment and treatment measures had moved above the national 80% target.

There has also been improvement in services for children and young people. The proportion of CAMHS patients receiving an assessment within 28 days increased from 57.8% in February 2023 to 90% in December 2025. The proportion starting a therapeutic intervention within 28 days also improved, reaching 70% in December 2025, although it remained below the 80% target at that point.

The health board subsequently reported that children's mental health services were meeting the national targets for both assessment and therapeutic interventions by July 2026.

Despite these improvements, access to other forms of mental health treatment remains a significant challenge.

Betsi Cadwaladr reported that only around 55% of patients started psychological therapy within 26 weeks in July 2026, against a Welsh Government target of 80%.

There are also continuing difficulties with access to neurodevelopmental assessments for conditions including ADHD and autism. The health board reported that only around 17% of patients were receiving an assessment within 26 weeks in July.

These services are distinct from general mental health assessments, but the figures provide a wider picture of the pressures facing people seeking support across North Wales.

The Welsh Government has introduced a ten-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, placing greater emphasis on early intervention, prevention and making support available before problems escalate. Its approach includes developing more accessible community-based services alongside traditional NHS provision.

For people experiencing a mental health crisis, NHS 111 Wales also provides access to urgent mental health support through its press 2 service.

However, Janet Finch-Saunders believes more needs to be done to ensure that improvements in headline waiting time figures translate into meaningful support for people experiencing mental health difficulties.

She said: “These figures alone are deeply concerning. However, I am also seeing an increase in constituents contacting me for support and advice because of delays in accessing mental health support and treatment. This is even more troubling when people are expressing suicidal thoughts.

“People often reach out to us as elected Members as a last resort. This means that constituents are approaching me because they need assistance but don't know where to turn.

“We cannot allow this pattern to continue. It is essential that a review of mental health provision and its effectiveness takes place across the Health Board area, and that immediate action is taken to ensure residents have access to timely and appropriate mental health support.”

Her call comes as the health board continues to work through significant challenges across its services, with the latest figures showing that while access to initial mental health assessments has improved, timely access to longer-term psychological treatment remains an area requiring further attention.

More than 60 officers carried out a series of simultaneous warrants during the morning of Thursday, November 5, following a seven-month investigation into individuals suspected of supplying Class A drugs into Gwynedd.

Properties in Bangor, Bethel, Bethesda, Llanrug and Liverpool were searched, with officers recovering what police described as a substantial quantity of Class A drugs, cash and other assets.

Six people were arrested during the operation, with five subsequently charged with conspiracy offences relating to the supply of controlled drugs.

David Hughes, 53, of Bangor Road, Bethesda, has been charged with conspiring to supply cocaine.

Nerys Wyn Jones, 46, of Treflan, Bangor, and Serina Jayne Ann Medforth, 55, of Cremlyn, Bethel, have both been charged with conspiring to supply heroin.

Barry Ian Clarke, 59, of Warbreck, Liverpool, is also charged with conspiring to supply heroin, while Arthur Hughes, who is currently being held at HMP Berwyn but is originally from the Rachub area, has been charged with conspiring to supply Class A substances.

David Hughes, Jones and Medforth appeared before Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Friday, November 6, while Clarke appeared separately at Mold Magistrates' Court.

One other person arrested during the operation has been released on bail while police enquiries continue.

Superintendent Arwel Hughes said the operation formed part of North Wales Police's ongoing efforts to tackle organised criminality across the region.

He said officers would continue working with partner agencies, businesses and residents to identify and disrupt suspected drug supply networks.

Police are urging anyone with concerns or information about drug-related activity in their community to contact them on 101, use the force's online live web chat service, or report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Remembrance Sunday falls on November 8th this year, with services, parades and wreath-laying ceremonies taking place in towns and villages across the area. The traditional two-minute silence will be observed at 11am.

In Colwyn Bay, the morning begins with a service at St Paul’s Church at 9.45am, followed by a parade and Act of Remembrance at the war memorial in Queen’s Gardens, starting at 10.55am.

In Old Colwyn, a service will be held at St Catherine’s and St John’s Church from 10am, followed by a gathering at the village war memorial from 10.40am.

There will also be a service in Penrhynside, beginning at 10.15am at the Village Hall, before people move to the village war memorial for a further act of remembrance and wreath-laying. The Deputy Mayor of Llandudno, Councillor Angie O’Grady, is expected to attend alongside council members and representatives of local ex-service and voluntary organisations.

In Llandudno, the service begins at Holy Trinity Church at 9.45am, before continuing at the town’s war memorial in Prince Edward Square. The Royal British Legion’s Act of Remembrance and the two-minute silence will take place there at 11am. The Mayor of Llandudno, Councillor Mandy Hawkins, will attend with members of the Armed Services, local ex-service organisations and representatives of the council.

The ceremonies provide an opportunity for people of all generations to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces, both in the two World Wars and in conflicts since.

Remembrance Sunday is held on the Sunday closest to November 11th, the date when the Armistice came into effect in 1918, bringing the fighting of the First World War to an end. The agreement took effect at 11am, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, which is why the time remains central to the act of remembrance.

Armistice Day itself falls on Wednesday, November 11th this year. A two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, marking the moment the guns fell silent more than a century ago.

While Remembrance Sunday provides the opportunity for communities to gather at local memorials, Armistice Day offers a further moment for reflection, wherever people happen to be.

Motorists should allow extra time when travelling through the areas hosting services and parades. Temporary traffic management may be needed around the memorials, particularly in town centres, but specific road closure times for this year's local ceremonies have not been confirmed in the notices available. Drivers are advised to follow any signs or instructions from police and event marshals.

For many families, the names recorded on local war memorials represent relatives, friends and neighbours whose lives were changed or lost through conflict. The annual ceremonies ensure their stories, and the sacrifices of those who followed them, are not forgotten.

The three males, aged between 17 and 18, have been interviewed by police in connection with the incident and released while enquiries continue.

The collision happened at around 10.30pm on Thursday, October 29, on Marine Drive, around the Great Orme.

North Wales Police have now issued a further appeal for information, saying investigators believe there may be people in the local community who have information that could help establish exactly what happened.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was driving in Llandudno town centre between 10pm and 10.30pm that evening and may have captured relevant footage on a dashcam.

They are also asking motorists who travelled along Marine Drive, from the Toll House and around the headland, between Monday, October 26 and Thursday, October 29, to check whether they have recordings that could assist the investigation.

Police say they have now traced the black-coloured vehicle they were previously seeking information about.

Detective Inspector Tim Evans, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, has urged people not to speculate about the circumstances of the collision or comment on social media, warning that this can be particularly distressing.

He said investigators believe members of the local community may hold information that could help provide answers following the death of a young man who was loved by many.

Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police through the force's website webchat service or by calling 101, quoting reference number 26000888717.

Information can also be emailed to OSSSeriousCollisionInvestigationUnitOfficers@northwales.police

The most recent figures show that women continue to be under-represented in engineering, transport and technical occupations, while differences in working patterns and pay remain barriers to achieving greater equality.

In the UK, around 72.4% of women aged 16 and over were in employment between October and December 2025, compared with 77.6% of men. However, women are considerably more likely to work part-time, with around 37% of employed women doing so, compared with 14% of men.

Pay differences also remain. Office for National Statistics figures for April 2025 showed that the gender pay gap among full-time employees across the UK was 6.9%, meaning women earned less per hour on average than men. The gap was particularly pronounced in skilled trades, where it stood at 13.9%.

The picture is particularly noticeable in industries such as transport and engineering, where women remain a small proportion of the workforce despite growing efforts to encourage more female applicants.

In Wales, women account for just 20% of the Transport and Communications workforce, falling to only 6.7% among transport and mobile machinery drivers and operators, according to research by Transport for Wales.

The issue was discussed earlier this month when the Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper, met Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales and Chair of Women in Rail, to hear about efforts to recruit and retain more women across the industry.

There are signs of progress. The number of female train drivers at Transport for Wales increased from 54 to 76 between 2022 and 2023, raising women's representation among drivers from 7.4% to 9.3%.

Over the same period, the proportion of women among new Transport for Wales apprentices increased from 14.3% to 42.9%.

One example of that changing picture is Chloe Thomas, who joined Transport for Wales more than 11 years ago as a maintenance apprentice. She was the first female apprentice to work at the company's Canton depot in Cardiff.

After completing her apprenticeship and gaining a first-class honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chloe progressed from maintenance technician to fleet support engineer and is now an Assurance Engineer, primarily working with the Class 398 fleet.

Her career has included leading the trial of a new signalling system on the Heart of Wales Line and supporting the introduction of new trains across the network.

She was named Rail Engineer of the Year at the 2022 Rail Staff Awards and has since established the Women in Fleet group, which brings together female employees from across the sector.

The group now has more than 30 members and has helped secure improvements to facilities at Canton depot, with further work planned at Machynlleth. It has also worked with policy teams to review workplace policies.

Chloe said she had witnessed considerable cultural change during her time with the organisation, adding that the group was already making a positive difference for women working across the business.

Women are also increasingly reaching senior positions in the transport industry. Marie Daly is Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales and chairs Women in Rail, which works to improve diversity and career opportunities across the UK rail sector.

Other examples include Natalie Britton, Operations Director at Milford Haven Port Authority, and Sarah West, Managing Director of Stena Line UK and Ireland Ports, who previously became the first woman to command a major UK warship during her 20-year Royal Navy career.

Marie Daly said there had been genuine progress, but women still represented only a fifth of Wales's transport and communications workforce.

She said Transport for Wales and Women in Rail were committed to breaking down barriers, attracting diverse talent and ensuring women could see transport as a rewarding career offering long-term opportunities.

The Welsh Government helped establish the Women in Transport Wales Hub in 2022, providing a network for women already working in the industry while encouraging others to consider careers in the sector.

Transport for Wales is also working with trade unions on initiatives to increase female recruitment into train driving and engineering. These include recruitment events aimed at women, secondment opportunities and changes intended to make working environments more inclusive.

Deputy Minister Mark Hooper said he was pleased to hear about the progress being made to recruit and retain women in traditionally male-dominated jobs, but wanted to understand what more could be done.

He said inclusion, opportunity and cultural change needed to be an integral part of developing and improving transport across Wales.

The wider figures suggest that, while opportunities for women have expanded considerably, representation alone does not necessarily mean equality has been achieved. Women remain more likely to work part-time, are disproportionately represented in some lower-paid occupations and continue to face barriers entering certain technical and operational careers.

The latest Welsh Government earnings figures show that the full-time gender pay gap in Wales stood at 3.2% in April 2026, compared with 6.8% across the UK. However, when full-time and part-time employees are considered together, the difference increases to 8.2% in Wales and 12.3% across the UK.

The challenge for employers is therefore not simply to recruit more women, but to ensure they have equal opportunities to develop their careers, progress into senior positions and remain in industries where they have historically been under-represented.

All 22 local authorities are expected to be providing meals to eligible pupils by January 2027, with more than half already offering them under the expanded arrangements.

Parents and carers of Year 7 and Year 8 children who receive Universal Credit are being encouraged to register through their local authority to ensure their child can access the support.

Previously, secondary school pupils could only qualify for free school meals if their family received Universal Credit and had household earnings below £7,400 a year, excluding benefits.

The expansion is part of a Welsh Government commitment to extend access to free school meals and follows the introduction of Universal Primary Free School Meals.

An interim evaluation of the primary school scheme found high levels of awareness and take-up, with benefits for children and families including improved wellbeing and savings on household budgets.

Alongside the expansion, new rules governing food served in primary schools came into force on October 31. The Healthy Eating in Schools regulations are designed to improve the nutritional quality of school meals by increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables available and restricting foods high in sugar and fried products.

School food will also be an early priority as the Welsh Government develops its new Food Strategy for Wales.

Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, said extending the scheme to Year 7 and 8 pupils was the first step towards providing free school meals to more secondary school learners.

She said access to nutritious food could improve concentration, educational attainment and overall health, and encouraged eligible families to register with their local authority.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality, Sioned Williams, said extending eligibility would make a difference to pupils' daily lives and form part of wider efforts to tackle child poverty and reduce inequality across Wales.

The Welsh Government says the expansion sits alongside other measures aimed at supporting low-income families, including plans for an expanded childcare offer and the proposed Cynnal child payment pilot, subject to assurances from the UK Government about its impact on people receiving the payment.

A new Child Poverty Strategy is also being developed, with the Welsh Government promising clear targets and accountability.

Parkland Place, operated by the charity Adferiad, was formally opened on Thursday, 5 November, by Nerys Evans MS, Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health.

The purpose-built facility is based at Lady Forester House, the former Blind Veterans UK building, and will provide specialist detoxification and residential rehabilitation services.

It replaces the former Hafan Wen service at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, which closed earlier this year, and is intended to increase the availability of specialist recovery support for people across the region and beyond.

The opening ceremony included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, with speeches from the Deputy Minister, Adferiad Chief Executive Dr Alun Thomas and Chair of Trustees Reverend Sue Northcott.

The development has created 70 jobs, including at least 30 new opportunities for people in the Llandudno area. It also represents a significant investment in recovery services during Adferiad's 50th anniversary year.

Dr Alun Thomas said the new hospital marked an important milestone for the organisation and would allow it to expand its specialist support for people affected by substance use.

He said the investment reflected Adferiad's commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care and giving people the opportunity to build better lives.

Deputy Minister Nerys Evans said substance misuse remained one of the greatest public health challenges, but stressed that recovery was possible when people received the right support.

She said Parkland Place would provide a safe and compassionate environment for people to take their first steps towards rebuilding their lives, and thanked everyone involved in making the facility a reality.

The opening marks a significant addition to North Wales' recovery services, providing dedicated residential facilities for people who need specialist support as they begin their journey towards recovery.

North Wales Police were called to the shop shortly after 1.30pm on Wednesday, November 4, following reports that a man had assaulted an employee.

Officers were able to locate and arrest a suspect after the victim provided a prompt report and a description of the man.

Matthew Harris, from Sheffield, has since been charged with assault by beating in connection with the incident. He has also been charged with harassment involving a second female victim.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, the charges were authorised. Harris was refused police bail and remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at court on November 6.

District Inspector for Gwynedd South, Iwan Jones, said police took reports of this nature extremely seriously.

He said officers would continue to pursue those responsible as part of efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.

He also thanked the victims and everyone who had supported the investigation, helping officers present a case to prosecutors.

The Foundation, which launched in January this year, aims to use the profile and influence of Colwyn Bay Football Club to make a difference beyond the football pitch, supporting people through education, sport, health and wellbeing initiatives.

Achieving charitable status is expected to help the organisation attract further investment, develop new partnerships and expand the range of support it offers to local communities.

Its existing programmes include Primary Seagulls, which delivers education and physical activity in primary schools, and Street Seagulls, offering free football sessions, youth clubs and safe spaces for young people.

Other initiatives include Inspire, supporting secondary school pupils who face challenges with engagement and achievement, and Play, which focuses on early childhood development.

The Foundation also runs Kicking Off Careers, helping young people aged 16 to 25 who are not in education, employment or training to develop skills and improve their job prospects.

Its 90 Minute Club provides opportunities for older adults to stay active and socially connected.

The organisation works alongside schools, local authorities, community groups and grassroots sports clubs, with further plans to develop opportunities in education, employability, volunteering and leadership.

Josh Antoniou, speaking on behalf of the Foundation, said becoming a registered charity was a proud moment and an important step towards its ambition of making a lasting difference to people's lives.

He said the organisation had always wanted to create something that went beyond football, using the club's position in the community to bring people together and create opportunities.

He added that reaching more than 9,500 participants in such a short time demonstrated both the demand for its work and the potential to make an even greater difference across North Wales.

Colwyn Bay FC director Jody Johnson said charitable status would allow the Foundation to deliver more community programmes and reach a wider range of people.

He said the organisation was already providing activities ranging from free football and education to health, wellbeing and employment support.

The Foundation now plans to build on its existing work, with particular emphasis on supporting children and young people, tackling social isolation, improving physical and mental health and creating pathways into training and employment.

The development also supports the football club's wider ambition to play a bigger role in community life, demonstrating how its influence can extend well beyond what happens on the pitch.

A new consultation has been launched to establish how the proposed restrictions would work in practice, including how shops and online retailers would check customers' ages and what action could be taken against businesses breaking the rules.

The move follows growing concerns about the potential impact of high-caffeine energy drinks on children's health and wellbeing.

Evidence suggests regular consumption can be associated with headaches, irritability, tiredness and stomach problems. Research has also highlighted links with poorer sleep, increased stress and a greater risk of anxiety and depression.

The previous Welsh Government consulted on plans to restrict sales to under-16s, with broad support for taking action.

The current Welsh Government now intends to proceed with the proposals, subject to the outcome of the latest consultation.

The restrictions would cover drinks, other than tea and coffee, containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre.

The latest consultation, launched by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health Nerys Evans, focuses on how the restrictions would be enforced rather than whether high-caffeine drinks should be restricted in the first place.

Under the proposals, local authority food safety teams would be responsible for checking businesses are complying with the rules. The consultation also considers online age-verification systems, possible penalties for retailers and how compliance would be monitored.

The approach elsewhere in the UK is not yet consistent.

In England, the UK Government has already confirmed plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16. The restrictions are expected to come into force in April 2027, subject to parliamentary approval, and will cover shops, online retailers and vending machines. GOV.UK

Scotland has taken a different approach. Following its own consultation, the Scottish Government decided in 2023 not to introduce a mandatory sales ban, after considering the available evidence. GOV.UK

Northern Ireland has also not introduced a statutory age restriction, with no equivalent mandatory measures currently in place.

This means Wales is now moving towards a position similar to England, although the two governments are at different stages of the process.

The Welsh Government says its proposed enforcement arrangements would broadly follow the approach being developed in England, helping to avoid unnecessary differences for businesses operating on both sides of the border.

The wider aim is to create a healthier environment for children and young people, reducing their access to products which could affect their physical and mental health.

The consultation will help determine the final arrangements, including when any restrictions could come into force. Businesses, councils and other organisations will also be involved in developing guidance before the legislation is introduced.

Many major supermarkets and retailers have already introduced voluntary restrictions on selling high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. However, these arrangements are not universal, meaning children can still buy the products from some outlets. The proposed legislation would introduce a consistent, legally enforceable approach rather than relying on individual retailers to decide their own policies.

Coast Community Radio and Media CIC, which operates Bayside Radio, is among six news organisations in Wales selected to receive support through the Government's £6 million Local News Fund.

The funding will allow Bayside Radio to build on its established local news and community information service, extending its journalism through new partnerships, greater audience insight and enhanced digital publishing capabilities.

The project will focus on bringing more community voices and stories into local news coverage, working alongside organisations and groups which make an important contribution to everyday life across Conwy County and the North Wales coast.

By developing new partnerships, Bayside Radio aims to identify stories which might otherwise go unheard, improve the way local information is gathered and shared, and make its journalism accessible to more people through radio and digital platforms.

Operations and Content Director Simon Wynne said: "We're extremely grateful to the DCMS for recognising the work we're doing and giving us the opportunity to take our local journalism further. It's a real team effort and I'd like to thank everyone at Bayside for their hard work in helping us reach this point.

"We also owe a huge thank you to the many local organisations and groups who have worked with us over the years, sharing their stories and helping us develop our news and podcast content. Those relationships are at the heart of what we do, and we're looking forward to building on them."

The award forms part of the UK Government's Local Media Action Plan, which recognises the importance of trusted local news as audiences increasingly turn to online platforms for information.

The £6 million fund is designed to help local news organisations adapt to changing media habits, invest in new technology, reach younger audiences and develop sustainable business models.

Six organisations across Wales have been successful, with grants of up to £125,000 available. Other recipients include Wrexham.com, which will develop an artificial intelligence tool to identify potential news stories, and Bylines Networks, which will invest in strengthening its network of local publications.

Media Minister Ian Murray said local media remained among the most trusted sources of news but acknowledged that changes in the media landscape had forced many organisations to reduce their operations or close.

He said the Government wanted to support thriving local media which reported on the issues and perspectives that mattered to communities, providing trustworthy information.

Through the Local News Fund, the Government hopes to encourage newsrooms to innovate, adapt to the online world and continue producing high-quality journalism.

For Coast Community Radio and Media CIC, the award represents an opportunity to build on Bayside Radio's role as a source of local news, information and community engagement, while developing new ways of working with the people and organisations it serves.

The station has established itself as a community-focused broadcaster for Colwyn Bay and the wider North Wales coast, combining locally produced radio programming with news and information through its website and digital channels.

The new project will build on that work, giving greater prominence to local organisations, community initiatives and the people making a difference across the area.

Emyr Gibson, who lives in the area and works as a creative practitioner at Pendine Park's Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon, plays factory worker Ifan Wyn in Y Streic Fawr (The Great Strike), a three-part series for S4C.

The drama revisits the dispute which began at the Friction Dynamics factory at Griffiths Crossing, near Caernarfon, in 2001 and went on to divide families, friendships and the wider community.

The factory, originally opened as Ferodo in 1962, manufactured brake parts for the motor industry. Workers walked out in April 2001 following disagreements over proposed pay cuts and deteriorating working conditions.

The dispute escalated when employees refused to sign new contracts after returning from an initial strike. They were locked out and subsequently dismissed.

An employment tribunal in Liverpool ruled in October 2002 that the workers had been unfairly dismissed. However, they received no compensation after the company went into receivership.

Emyr remembers driving past the picket lines during the dispute and sounding his car horn in support of the workers, although he admits he knew little about the circumstances at the time.

Taking part in the new television series has given him a much deeper understanding of what happened.

He said: "When the strike began I was living in Deiniolen and would often drive past the factory gates and see the workers standing outside.

"They would be there in all weathers and like many others I would toot the car horn in support but I didn't really know what the dispute was about."

His character, Ifan, is one of the striking workers, with the storyline also exploring the tensions between those taking part in the industrial action and employees who continued working.

It follows the impact on Ifan and his wife Sheila, played by Catrin Powell, as the dispute affects their lives away from the factory gates.

More than 100 people were involved in the dispute in its early stages, with 86 subsequently taking part in the employment tribunal.

Emyr said the characters were drawn from the experiences of several former employees, rather than attempting to tell every individual's story.

The production, made by Mojo Productions, was written by Ffion Dafis and directed by Huw Chiswell. Filming took place around Caernarfon earlier this year.

Several former factory workers have also been involved in bringing the story to the screen, contributing to the development of the storyline, attending script readings and appearing as extras.

Emyr said meeting the former employees and hearing their experiences had been particularly moving.

He added: "It was humbling to meet with them in the read-through and to hear of their experiences, and it was great to see them turn up for the filming of a scene when they decide to end the strike."

Alongside his acting career, Emyr works with residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd, which provides specialist care for people living with dementia.

He said he was grateful for the opportunity to take time away from his work at the home to take part in the production, but added that working with residents was equally rewarding.

Bryn Seiont Newydd manager Sandra Evans said Emyr brought great enjoyment to residents through music, singing and spending time talking with them.

She said the Friction Dynamics dispute was particularly significant for many residents because of their connections with Caernarfon and their memories of how the strike affected local families and the community.

The cast also includes Rhodri Trefor as Tom Jones, better known locally as Tommy Union, who had a direct connection with the factory, having worked at Ferodo before becoming a full-time trade union officer in North Wales.

Gruffudd Glyn plays Gerald Parry, one of the workers' main spokesmen during the dispute, while Rhys ap Trefor portrays John Davis, whose case was selected to represent the workers at the employment tribunal.

Producer Llyr Morus, who grew up in Caeathro near Caernarfon and knew some of the former factory employees, said it was a privilege to tell their story.

He said the sacrifices made by the 86 men and women involved in the tribunal had helped secure better working conditions for future generations.

The effects of the dispute could still be felt in Caernarfon today, he added, with friendships, families and communities having been divided.

The series has received support from the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.

The first episode of Y Streic Fawr will be shown on S4C at 9pm on Sunday, December 6. All three episodes will also be available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from the same date.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust have joined forces to encourage people to celebrate safely and avoid preventable injuries.

The appeal comes as families prepare to mark November 5, with firefighters recommending that people attend organised displays rather than arrange their own fireworks parties at home.

In Rhyl, an organised display is being supported at Brookes Field, while in Holyhead celebrations will take place at Penrhos Beach, where the bonfire is due to be lit at 6pm, followed by fireworks after dark.

The potential dangers of fireworks are highlighted by figures published by the Welsh Government last year. The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital had treated more than 60 firework-related injuries since 2019.

The Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust also received more than 1,100 emergency 999 calls and a further 1,700 calls to NHS 111 Wales on Bonfire Night in 2024.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service says the number of incidents involving fireworks and bonfires attended by crews has fallen considerably as more people have chosen organised displays.

But anyone planning a home display is being reminded that fireworks are explosives and must be treated with care.

People should only buy fireworks from registered or licensed retailers, either in shops or online, and check that products carry the appropriate CE or UKCA safety marking. Fireworks should never be bought from unknown sellers on social media, temporary unlicensed stalls or the back of a van.

Adult fireworks cannot legally be sold to anyone under 18. Buyers should also check the category and safety distances printed on the packaging before purchasing, to make sure they have enough space to use them safely.

Fireworks should be kept in a closed box, taken out one at a time and lit at arm's length using a taper. People should read the instructions carefully, stand well back and never return to a firework once it has been lit, even if it appears not to have gone off.

Children should never be allowed to handle or light fireworks and must be supervised throughout any display. Sparklers should not be given to children under five, and older children should wear gloves and be closely supervised. A bucket of water should be available for used sparklers.

Parents are also being reminded to keep children well away from bonfires and to make sure they do not play with fireworks or pick up discarded items.

Pet owners are being urged to think ahead, as loud bangs and flashes can be particularly frightening for dogs, cats and other animals.

Dogs should be taken for walks before fireworks begin, while cats and dogs should be kept indoors with somewhere comfortable and quiet to hide. Closing curtains, keeping windows shut and putting on television or music can help reduce the impact of noise.

Small outdoor animals should be given extra bedding and somewhere to shelter. Owners of horses and other livestock are also encouraged to let neighbours know if they are planning fireworks and to take account of nearby animals.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is also reminding people never to use petrol or paraffin on a bonfire, to keep fires well away from buildings, trees and fences, and to make sure everything is fully extinguished before leaving.

Head of Fire Safety Paul Kay says the public should follow the Firework Code and show consideration for neighbours, emergency workers and animals.

Fireworks must not normally be set off between 11pm and 7am, although the legal cut-off on Bonfire Night itself is midnight.

If someone suffers a burn, the advice from the Welsh Ambulance Service is to cool the affected area under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes, remove nearby clothing or jewellery where it is not stuck to the skin, and cover the injury loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag. Serious injuries should be assessed urgently.

The message from the emergency services is that Bonfire Night should be an enjoyable occasion, but a little preparation and consideration can help prevent it ending with an unnecessary trip to hospital.