North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that teams were called to the incident at around 6.28pm, with the fire breaking out at a property just off the A470 between Llanrwst and Betws-y-Coed.

Six fire appliances were dispatched to the scene, along with an Aerial Ladder Platform, as crews worked to bring the blaze under control.

Police closed nearby roads while emergency services dealt with the incident.

In a statement, the fire service said: “We are in attendance at a fire in a property in Llanrwst. We received the call at 6.28pm this evening. Six appliances and the Aerial Ladder Platform are in attendance at the incident.”

There has been no immediate confirmation of any injuries, and the cause of the fire has not yet been established.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area while emergency services remained at the scene.

For Professor Bryn Hubbard, of the Centre for Glaciology at Aberystwyth University, the collaboration with Conwy-based Robertson Geo began entirely by chance.

“I was travelling back to Aberystwyth, picked up a magazine and it introduced me to Robertson Geo and its televiewer,” he said. “I had no idea this technology even existed.”

That moment would prove transformative — eventually leading to one of the most ambitious glaciological expeditions ever undertaken. Professor Hubbard went on to lead a team to the Khumbu Glacier, deploying advanced imaging technology at an altitude of 6,660 metres.

The expedition formed part of the NERC-funded “Losing their Cool” programme and saw researchers use a lightweight televiewer system to capture high-resolution images inside the glacier, alongside collecting core samples and meteorological data.

Operating in extreme conditions — with oxygen levels less than half those at sea level and temperatures plunging below -25°C — the team relied on Robertson Geo’s equipment to perform without modification.

Dr Matthew Peacey, who took part in the मिशion, said reliability was crucial.

“When you’re working at that altitude, every piece of kit has to work first time. Robertson Geo’s technology did exactly that — reliably, in some of the most hostile conditions on Earth,” he said.

Professor Hubbard added: “It really changed everything. The televiewer enabled us to see inside glaciers in unprecedented detail. Robertson Geo has played a huge part in that journey.”

The Everest project marks the peak of a collaboration dating back to the early 2000s, when the company’s High Resolution Optical Televiewer was first introduced to glaciology. Since then, the partnership has supported research across the Arctic, Antarctic, Andes and Himalayas, including previous expeditions to the Everest region in 2017 and 2018.

Early findings from the latest मिशion are already reshaping scientific understanding. Researchers have identified unexpectedly warm firn (compacted snow), alongside clear signs of melting and refreezing. Data has also revealed complex internal ice structures, offering new insight into how glaciers behave and evolve.

The implications are significant. Between 1977 and 2010, Himalayan glaciers lost around a quarter of their area and nearly a third of their volume. These glaciers provide freshwater to more than 10% of the global population, and scientists warn the region could be nearing “peak water” — the point at which meltwater supplies begin to decline.

With headquarters in Conwy and operations in the United States and Hong Kong, Robertson Geo exports the vast majority of its products and works in more than 160 countries.

Managing director Simon Garantini said the company was proud to support research with global importance.

“We’ve built a strong partnership with Professor Hubbard’s team over many years. Seeing our technology perform at the extremes — and contribute to critical climate science — is incredibly rewarding.”

Further expeditions to the Himalayas are already planned for 2026, while Professor Hubbard is set to travel to Greenland this summer — again working alongside Robertson Geo — as the long-running partnership continues to push the boundaries of climate science.

For more news and information from Robertson Geo, visit the website Geotechnical - Robertson Geo | Wireline Borehole Logging.

The Llandudno Elderly People’s Welfare Society has announced that the Trinity Centre has secured major funding to replace its ageing flat roof, ensuring the long-term future of the building and the vital services it provides for older residents and the wider community.

The investment will allow the charity to tackle longstanding issues caused by the deteriorating roof, which has led to ongoing maintenance concerns and rising costs. Trustees say the grant means the work can now go ahead without placing extra strain on day-to-day operations or local fundraising efforts.

Town councillor and LEPWS chairperson Carol Marubbi said the award was a major boost for the centre.

“We are incredibly grateful to Gwynt y Mor for their generous support. This funding will allow LEPWS to protect and future-proof a privately owned and much-loved community hub. The new roof will mean we can continue delivering activities for many years to come, benefiting thousands of local residents.”

Work is expected to begin in the coming months and will be carried out by a North Wales-based contractor, helping to support the regional economy and create short-term employment opportunities. The project is expected to cause only minimal disruption to the centre’s daily activities.

Built in the late 1950s, the Trinity Centre was established as a welcoming space where older people could meet, socialise and access support. Today, it remains one of Llandudno’s key community venues, run by a dedicated team of volunteers working alongside trustees to provide a safe and friendly environment.

As a privately owned venue, the centre relies entirely on donations, room hire income and grant funding to continue its work.

The latest award also highlights the wider impact of the Gwynt y Môr fund across the region, with the fund having also been very generous in its support of the volunteer team at Bayside Radio, helping strengthen another important community-focused organisation in North Wales.

The grant is seen as a major step in safeguarding the Trinity Centre for future generations, ensuring it can continue serving thousands of local residents for years to come.

In a pair of events held at the college's Wrexham Yale and Deeside sites, students chaired debates, set the agenda and put candidates from political parties directly on the spot.

Representatives from each party provided introductions, all equal in length of time to ensure fairness, before taking questions from the floor. 

Student chairs led the programme following dedicated training in facilitation and neutrality from The Politics Project, a national non-partisan organisation with a mission to support young people to engage meaningfully with politics and democratic life.

Learners from a wide range of subject areas took part, attending alongside Progress Coaches and other key support colleagues from across the College.

The questions they raised - covering the issues that matter most to them, including public transport and fuel prices, the cost of living, social care, the environment, jobs and apprenticeships, NHS waiting lists, and preservation of the Welsh language - gave candidates direct and unfiltered insight into the perspectives of young voters in north east Wales.

Alice Churm, Cambria's Fairness and Belonging Lead, said: "Putting students in the driving seat of these events gave them a powerful, real-world experience of democracy in action.

“They weren't just listening, they were leading, questioning and engaging directly with candidates on the issues that matter to them. It's an invaluable opportunity to build confidence and develop the skills needed to participate in public life."

Dr Beti Thomas, Programme Manager at The Politics Project, added: “The Politics Project’s ‘Host a Hustings Cymru’ programme - funded by the Welsh Government's Democratic Engagement Grant - supports schools and colleges across Wales to organise and take part in youth-led hustings events ahead of the Senedd Election.

“These events have been a brilliant reminder of how important it is for young people to be given the opportunity to ask questions, voice their opinions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with candidates in the lead up to the Senedd election. We were so impressed by the hustings' chairs, who we had the pleasure of supporting through our chair training workshop.

“It has been great to work with the staff at Coleg Cambria, supporting them to put together an event that puts young people, and their questions, views and concerns, front and centre.”

The hustings form part of Coleg Cambria's wider and ongoing commitment to encouraging democratic engagement among its learners. That includes an active push to promote voter registration, with the college working to ensure that eligible students are ready to make their voices heard on May 7.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

More here on The Politics Project and the upcoming Senedd elections in Wales: How do I vote?

The Tier One licence, issued by the Football Association of Wales, is a mandatory requirement for any club wishing to play in the Cymru Premier.

It ensures clubs meet strict criteria across several areas including stadium facilities, youth development, financial management, governance, and administrative standards. Without it, promotion to the top tier cannot be ratified — regardless of league position.

For Colwyn Bay, the licence approval caps off what has been a standout season on and off the pitch. After mounting a sustained promotion challenge, the Seagulls secured their place among the elite through strong, consistent performances, combining an organised defence with an attacking style that delivered crucial results in the latter stages of the campaign.

However, the club’s pathway to Tier One status was not without complication. Their initial application was unsuccessful, prompting an appeal process. The successful outcome indicates the club was able to demonstrate it had met — or would imminently meet — the required standards.

Behind the scenes, significant work has been ongoing to bring facilities and operations in line with FAW and UEFA expectations. This includes improvements to matchday infrastructure, strengthening administrative processes, and ensuring sustainable financial planning — all key pillars of the licensing system designed to safeguard the long-term health of clubs competing at the top level.

The timing of the decision is particularly significant. With promotion secured on sporting merit, the licence confirmation removes any uncertainty over the club’s status for next season and allows planning to accelerate ahead of a return to Tier One competition.

For supporters, it marks a major step forward in the club’s ongoing resurgence. After previous spells outside the Welsh top flight, Colwyn Bay’s return reflects both stability off the pitch and ambition on it — with the latest development reinforcing their intent to establish themselves at the highest level once again.

The focus now turns to preparation for the 2026/27 campaign, where the Seagulls will test themselves against the best teams in Welsh football, backed by a licence that confirms they belong among them.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed the incident happened today at approximately 1.51pm and involved an emergency ambulance, a car and a motorcycle.

In response to the collision, the service dispatched two additional ambulances, a Cymru High Acuity Response Unit, and an operations manager to support those involved and ensure patient care continued at the scene.

All individuals involved — including the ambulance crew, the driver of the car and the motorcyclist — were assessed at the scene before being taken to hospital for further treatment.

The circumstances surrounding the collision are understood to be under review.

The national scheme supports emergency departments across the UK to lower their carbon footprint while maintaining high standards of patient care. Ysbyty Gwynedd is among a number of hospitals in Wales to be acknowledged in the latest round of awards.

Over the past year, staff at the Bangor-based hospital have introduced a range of initiatives aimed at embedding sustainability into everyday practice. Measures include reducing paper use, lowering computer brightness to cut electricity consumption, and adopting greener prescribing practices, such as switching from injectable to oral medications where clinically appropriate.

The department has also taken steps to cut emissions linked to staff travel by enabling more home working and moving teaching sessions and meetings online. Other changes include composting food waste, introducing reusable or recyclable cutlery and crockery, and reducing reliance on single-use plastics through measures such as plastic-free tea bags and recycling walking aids.

Where measured, the changes have already delivered an estimated annual saving of around 12,500 kgCO2e and £15,000, with further environmental benefits expected.

Dr Leesa Parkinson, Emergency Department Consultant who has led the project, said the accreditation reflects a collective effort across the department.

She said: “This accreditation reflects the collective effort of our entire team to make meaningful changes that reduce our environmental impact without compromising patient care.

“Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility, and it has been fantastic to see colleagues from across the department – including clinical, administrative, pharmacy and housekeeping teams – come together to support this work.

“While we are proud to have achieved Bronze status, this is just the beginning. There is still more we can do, and we are committed to continuing this journey and building on the progress we’ve made so far.”

The department is now exploring further improvements, including introducing paper tourniquets and medicine cups, reusable suture kits, and reducing unnecessary procedures such as cannulation and blood tests. Plans are also in place to expand the use of QR codes for patient information to further cut paper use.

Staff across all roles within the Emergency Department have contributed to the changes, reflecting a shared commitment to more sustainable healthcare for communities across North Wales.

36 year old Thomas Taylor of Llanddona was yesterday charged with Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and will appear before Court in Caernarfon on Monday 11th May.

The incident, between a male and a female, involving three vehicles occurred in the car park of Colwyn Bay Football Club on Llanelian Road, Old Colwyn at approximately 9.10am on Monday 14th July last year.

Detective Sergeant Liam Jones said: “If you witnessed this incident, please contact us as a matter of urgency via our live webchat online, or on 101, quoting reference 26000272886.”

The development comes as Andy Dunbobbin, the elected Police and Crime Commissioner responsible for overseeing policing, community safety, and victim services across the region, visited the centre to meet two newly appointed caseworkers. His visit coincides with the start of National Stalking Awareness Week (April 20–26).

The annual campaign, led by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, aims to raise awareness of stalking and harassment, while promoting education and support for victims.

The Victim Help Centre, commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, provides free and confidential support to anyone affected by crime in North Wales, regardless of whether incidents have been reported to police.

The introduction of two new posts – a Victim’s Voice Caseworker and an Independent Stalking Advocate Caseworker (ISAC) – is intended to strengthen that support and improve the experience of victims navigating the criminal justice system.

Cathy Griffiths has taken on the ISAC role, specialising in cases of non-domestic stalking, where there has been no prior intimate relationship between victim and perpetrator. The position addresses a previously identified gap in provision, offering tailored support including safety planning, guidance on engaging with police, and advice on managing the wider impact of stalking on everyday life.

Meanwhile, Sue Davies has been appointed as Victim’s Voice Caseworker, focusing on ensuring that victims’ experiences help shape services. Her role includes overseeing feedback initiatives such as the North Wales Victim’s Panel, established in 2022, and engaging with schools, colleges and community groups to raise awareness of available support.

Mr Dunbobbin said stalking can have a “devastating impact” on victims, affecting their safety, wellbeing and ability to carry out daily activities without fear.

He added that investing in specialist roles ensures victims receive dedicated support and that their voices are heard throughout their journey.

Senior Operations Manager at the centre, Sioned Jacobsen, described the new roles as a “hugely welcome addition,” highlighting the anxiety and fear often experienced by victims of stalking.

She said the caseworkers can provide practical advice and reassurance, including guidance on personal safety and how individuals may choose to inform employers or education providers about their situation.

The enhancements to the service reflect a wider effort to ensure victims across North Wales have access to the support they need, while also increasing understanding of stalking as a serious and often hidden crime.

Further information about the Victim Help Centre is available via Victim Support North Wales.

Organisers are seeking a creative practitioner to lead and oversee a family-friendly sand art competition taking place on the town’s promenade on Saturday, April 25. The activity will form part of a wider day of events marking the unveiling of the much-anticipated statue, celebrating the life and legacy of then late Monty Python star, who had strong connections to the area.

The successful applicant will be responsible for encouraging participation, supporting families and individuals as they create their sand art pieces, and producing their own work alongside attendees. The aim is to create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere, suitable for all ages, while adding a creative highlight to the day’s celebrations.

The session will run from 12pm until 4.30pm, with a £300 day rate offered for the role.

The statue unveiling is expected to draw visitors from across the region, shining a spotlight on Colwyn Bay and its cultural links, with organisers keen to include interactive activities that reflect the community spirit of the town.

Artists interested in the opportunity are invited to express their interest by contacting joann.rae@venuecymru.co.uk for further details. 

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says routine work such as clearing gravel, reshaping riverbanks or straightening channels is sometimes undertaken to protect farmland or manage flooding. However, without proper guidance, these interventions can quickly have the opposite effect—accelerating erosion, increasing flood risk downstream and damaging fragile habitats.

In areas such as the Conwy, Dee and Clwyd catchments, where rivers cut through farmland and communities, NRW says even small alterations to a watercourse can have significant knock-on effects. Changes upstream can influence flooding in villages and towns downstream, while also impacting fish spawning grounds and wildlife habitats that are already under pressure.

The organisation is reminding landowners that most work in or near rivers requires formal permission, either from NRW or the relevant local authority. Carrying out work without consent could constitute an offence and leave landowners open to enforcement action, stop notices and potentially expensive restoration work.

NRW specialist advisors say they are increasingly called out only after problems have already developed, when reversing damage is often difficult or impossible.

Francesca Sanchez, Specialist Advisor for Freshwater Habitats and Species at NRW, said early engagement can prevent issues escalating.

“We’re asking landowners to get in touch with us before they start any work in a river or stream. It’s genuinely in their best interest to do so,” she said. “Far too often, we hear about these activities only after something has gone wrong, and by that point landowners could face stop notices, costly restoration and enforcement action. A simple call at the start could prevent all of that.”

She added that NRW aims to support landowners in finding practical solutions that balance land management needs with environmental protection.

“We want to help landowners do things properly – in a way that protects their land, avoids damage to wildlife and doesn’t create problems for their neighbours. Getting it right first time is always easier and cheaper than putting it right afterwards.”

NRW also highlighted concerns over the loss of natural river features such as gravel shoals, which have declined significantly across Wales over the past century. These features are particularly important in North Wales rivers, where they provide essential spawning habitat for fish and help maintain the natural flow and stability of river systems.

Landowners planning any work in or near a watercourse are being urged to contact NRW for advice before starting. Officials say a simple check can help ensure the correct permissions are in place and prevent unintended environmental damage.

Advice is available by calling 0300 065 3000 or emailing enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk.

Jamie Temple, of Clarence Street in Bangor, faces charges of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, threatening a person with a bladed article, and intentional suffocation.

Temple appeared before magistrates at Llandudno earlier today, where he was remanded in custody.

He is due to appear next at Caernarfon Crown Court on May 18.

Tesni Young (18), Hugo Loh (17) and Arthur Kinnerley-Williams (17), all studying Level 3 Professional Cookery, became the first Welsh college team to reach the final stages of the Zest Quest Asia. Competing in London over two intense days, they went head-to-head with teams from seven other colleges across the UK.

Not only did they make history by qualifying, they also returned home with two major awards. The trio won Best Use of a Panasonic Accelerated Combination Oven—earning the college a new oven along with a bespoke masterclass and a unique Dashi journey in Japanese Kaiseki cuisine with Chef Akemi.

They also secured Best Use of Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce, winning a three-month supply of premium ingredients and a live tutorial delivered back at the college.

During the competition, the students delivered a polished 20-minute presentation on their dishes and the East Asian region they represented, complete with a themed table display. They then had just two hours to produce a technically demanding four-course menu, all while being questioned by judges—showcasing not only their culinary skills, but also their organisation, teamwork and ability to perform under pressure.

Zest Quest Asia, launched in 2013, is designed to challenge college teams to demonstrate their creativity and understanding of Asian cuisine. This year’s achievement marks a significant milestone, with Coleg Llandrillo putting Welsh culinary talent firmly on the map.

Lecturer Glen Hughes praised the trio’s dedication, highlighting the countless hours they spent practising in their own time. He said their commitment and professionalism shone through at every stage of the competition.

The success adds to a growing list of achievements for the college and its parent group, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. In recent years, students across the group have excelled in national skills competitions, with hospitality and catering learners regularly reaching UK finals and earning industry recognition. The college has also invested heavily in state-of-the-art training kitchens and facilities, helping students gain real-world experience and compete at the highest level.

This latest triumph reinforces Coleg Llandrillo’s reputation as a centre of excellence for hospitality training in North Wales—producing the next generation of chefs ready to make their mark on the industry.

For those inspired by Tesni, Hugo and Arthur’s success, a wide range of catering and hospitality courses are available through Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, offering hands-on training in professional-standard environments.

The team needs to raise thousands of pounds to ensure every selected player can compete, starting with the Celtic Cup in Edinburgh this May, their only competitive preparation before the global tournament, which takes place in Wollongong, Australia, this autumn.

Players and staff are currently being asked to self-fund their places at a cost of around £250 each.

Team manager Steve Abel has seen talented athletes withdraw previously because of exactly this kind of financial pressure.

"It's incredibly tough to ask athletes to pay to represent their country," said Steve, who is leading Wales at a World Cup for the first time.

"They already give everything - their time, energy, and commitment - and then face the added burden of funding their own travel and accommodation. It shouldn't be this way. I'm determined it won't happen again."

Steve, who previously officiated at four World Cups before stepping into management, knows better than most what it takes to compete at the highest level - and what is at stake if Wales arrive underprepared.

The Celtic Cup, featuring Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, is not just a warm-up. It is the only chance this squad has to build momentum, test combinations, and arrive in Australia ready to compete.

Despite the financial strain, belief within the camp is sky-high.

Only 12 players will travel to Australia, and the squad - drawn from top clubs including North Wales Crusaders, Leeds Rhinos, South Wales Jets, Midlands Hurricanes, Sheffield Eagles and Wigan Warriors - is hungry to prove Wales belongs among the very best.

From lightning-fast playmakers to powerful, hard-hitting competitors, the group blends experience, resilience, and game-changing ability.

"We're not going to Australia just to take part," said Steve.

"We've got a hugely talented squad, experienced coaches, and an incredible group of volunteers - we're a family.

“We genuinely believe we can compete with the world's best and do Wales proud.”

Wheelchair rugby league is one of the fastest-growing formats in global sport, open to men and women, boys and girls, and athletes of all backgrounds, and Wales has been at the forefront since its earliest international days.

Built on passion, physicality, and teamwork, it embodies everything associated with Welsh pride and identity. 

But with no central funding from government and little resources available to sporting bodies, that family needs you! 

Dawn Roberts-McCabe, Volunteer for Fundraising and Sponsorship, added: “I’m proud to give my time to ensure every prospective athlete can focus on training to become the best version of themselves and not have to worry about financial barriers. 

“It would break my heart if a talented player had to let their World Cup dreams go because they had to choose between playing and paying.”

Businesses, sponsors, and supporters across Wales are being urged to step forward now. Whether through sponsorship, donation, or simply spreading the word, every contribution brings this squad one step closer to the World Cup stage - and to a moment that could inspire a generation.

To support the team or discuss sponsorship opportunities, email Dawn at droberts-mccabe@walesrugbyleague.co.uk.