Staff and volunteers at Denbighshire County Council’s Tree Nursery at Green Gates Nature Reserve are working to increase the number of small-leaved lime trees growing in the county.

The species was once common in British woodlands but has declined over the years because of habitat loss and changes to woodland management. Finding a small-leaved lime today can often be an indication that an area was once ancient woodland.

The council has collected seeds from local trees and has secured 110 grams of small-leaved lime seed, which could produce almost 800 young trees at the nursery.

Once established, the trees will eventually be planted out, helping to increase the number of the native species in the local landscape.

The small-leaved lime has an unusual place in social history. During the Second World War, when supplies of traditional black tea were restricted by rationing, its dried leaves and flowers were used to make a tea substitute.

The flowers were also traditionally valued for their medicinal properties and were used as a remedy for ailments including headaches and insomnia.

The trees provide benefits for wildlife too. Their leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of numerous moth species, while the flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects including bees.

Lime trees also attract aphids, which in turn provide food for predators such as hoverflies, ladybirds and birds.

The Denbighshire nursery is also working to increase numbers of other native species, including black poplar, wild service tree and oak, using seeds collected locally.

Councillor James Elson, Denbighshire County Council's Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said the nursery team and volunteers were looking forward to giving the locally collected small-leaved lime seeds the best possible chance to establish.

He said nurturing the trees at the nursery before planting would help improve their survival rates while supporting a native species with benefits for a wide range of wildlife.

The tree nursery is funded by the Welsh Government through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru project and the Local Places for Nature grant.

Finance Minister Elin Jones has written to the Chancellor ahead of the UK Government's Autumn Budget on October 28, calling for £1 billion of the existing rail commitment to be brought forward during the current spending period.

The £14 billion figure relates to a long-term pipeline of rail improvements identified by Transport for Wales and supported by the UK Government earlier this year. The programme includes projects across Wales and the borders, with further funding allocations expected through future spending reviews.

At present, £302 million of the £14 billion commitment is allocated for infrastructure upgrades during the current spending review period, running to 2029-30. The Welsh Government says this represents around one per cent of Network Rail spending during the period.

The Welsh Government wants an additional £1 billion brought forward before 2029-30 to speed up work on rail improvements.

The long-term programme includes plans to improve capacity and connectivity on rail routes across Wales, including the North Wales network. The UK Government has previously said the overall programme could support more than 12,000 jobs and improve connections to employment and other opportunities.

The Welsh Government is also asking the Chancellor for measures to help households with the cost of living, including changes to Local Housing Allowance and protection for Wales's Cynnal child payment from tax and benefit deductions.

It is also calling for real-terms increases in Wales's day-to-day and capital budgets, alongside UK Government backing for major projects including the proposed decarbonisation of Pembrokeshire Power Station.

Elin Jones said the Autumn Budget was an opportunity for the UK Government to demonstrate its commitment to communities in Wales.

She said the £14 billion rail commitment needed to be “turned into action”, starting with the forthcoming Budget.

The UK Government has said its £14 billion commitment represents a generational investment in Welsh rail based on Transport for Wales's long-term vision, although the final cost of individual schemes and the timing of future funding allocations will be determined through the rail investment process and future spending reviews.

The Welsh Government's latest call comes ahead of the Autumn Budget on October 28.

North Wales Police said the man got into difficulty at Llyn Glaslyn on Saturday evening, September 26.

Police were called shortly before 7pm after receiving a report that a man was missing in the lake.

Emergency services attended, along with members of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, and a search of the area began.

The search resumed on Sunday morning and involved the Joint Underwater Search Team.

Shortly before midday, the body of a man was located and recovered from the lake.

He has been named as 20-year-old Mahammed Maim Islan, who was from London.

North Wales Police Chief Inspector Steve Pawson said the thoughts of those involved remained with Mr Islan's family and friends.

The Coroner has been informed and enquiries are now underway.

Chief Inspector Pawson also thanked the emergency services and mountain rescue volunteers who responded to the incident.

In a statement, Mr Islan's family described him as a “bright and remarkable young man” with a promising future ahead of him.

They said he was a devoted son, loving brother and cherished friend whose kindness had touched those who knew him.

The family said they were heartbroken by his death and would remember him for the joy he brought to others and the positive impact he had on those around him.

They also thanked everyone involved in the search and recovery operation.

Residents in Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay and Old Colwyn have reported problems receiving post, while complaints have also been made in Abergele, Towyn, Kinmel Bay, Denbigh, Ruthin and other parts of North Wales.

The delays have caused particular concern where letters contain important information, including medical appointments, test results, legal correspondence, bills and official documents.

Clwyd MS Darren Millar says he has been working with local councillors, including Cheryl Carlisle and Jo Nuttall, to raise concerns with Royal Mail.

After being dissatisfied with the company's initial response, Mr Millar demanded a meeting with senior Royal Mail representatives, which took place last week.

According to an update issued by Mr Millar, Royal Mail apologised and acknowledged that services had fallen below the required standards in recent months.

The company said changes made earlier this year to the way second-class post is handled had resulted in changes to working practices and placed “unprecedented demand” on delivery staff.

Royal Mail says those changes are now fully embedded and performance is improving.

The Colwyn Bay area has also been affected by staffing problems at the local sorting office, including long-term sickness.

Royal Mail says there has been a change of management and a recruitment drive, with new staff now helping to improve the timeliness of deliveries.

Other sorting offices in Llandudno, Rhyl and Denbigh have also experienced staffing difficulties, although Royal Mail says these have not been as significant and the problems have now been resolved.

Royal Mail has also told Mr Millar that some delays involving NHS correspondence are not solely down to postal deliveries.

The company says some health service correspondence has not been posted using first-class services and that there have also been delays in processing letters.

Royal Mail is now working with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to address those issues.

Mr Millar said residents deserve a reliable postal service and that improvements were urgently needed.

He said he would continue to monitor the situation to ensure the problems are fully resolved.

Residents are being urged to report ongoing delivery problems so that continuing issues can be identified and addressed.

Fflamau Penyberth, a new Welsh-language opera marking 90 years since the 1936 arson attack at RAF Penrhos near Pwllheli, is being produced by OPRA Cymru.

The production tells the story of Saunders Lewis, Lewis Valentine and D J Williams, who set fire to buildings at the site chosen for an RAF bombing school before travelling to Pwllheli police station to give themselves up.

The three men were later sentenced to nine months in prison at the Old Bailey in London.

Their actions became an important moment in the history of Welsh nationalism and prompted widespread debate about the use of the Penyberth site, which had been a culturally significant farmhouse and meeting place for generations.

The campaign to raise the final £15,000 needed to stage the opera has received support from former Plaid Cymru president Dafydd Wigley and internationally acclaimed harpist Elinor Bennett.

Elinor Bennett said she first heard about the Penyberth incident from her father, who was among those who welcomed the three men after their release from prison.

She said that while her father recognised that the men had committed a criminal act, he believed the incident was significant and had far-reaching consequences.

The story also has a strong connection with the North Wales coast. Lewis Valentine was born in Llanddulas, near Colwyn Bay, while Saunders Lewis was raised in Wallasey and D J Williams came from Carmarthenshire.

The Penyberth site had been the home of generations of patrons of Welsh poets and was also associated with pilgrims travelling to Bardsey Island.

Plans to establish the RAF bombing school there sparked protests across Wales, with campaigners objecting to the destruction of the historic site. Other locations in England had also been considered.

The resulting fire caused relatively little physical damage, but the incident became a powerful symbol of Welsh opposition to the decision to locate the bombing school at Penyberth.

Fflamau Penyberth has been composed by Anglesey-based composer Gareth Glyn, who was born in Machynlleth and brought up in the Mold area, where he attended Ysgol Maes Garmon.

The libretto has been written by OPRA Cymru founder Patrick Young, from Llan Ffestiniog, with assistance from Caernarfon author and historian Arwel Vittle.

The opera is set across three acts and begins with one of the three men in a prison cell, with the events leading up to the arson attack revealed through a series of flashbacks.

OPRA Cymru says the production will cost around £170,000 and expects to have a £15,000 shortfall.

Patrick Young, a former opera director at the Royal Opera House in London, said the company wanted to bring opera to audiences across Wales through performances in the Welsh language.

The company was founded in 2008 and has previously staged Welsh-language versions of works including Carmen and commissioned Gareth Glyn to compose an opera based on Caradog Pritchard's novel Un Nos Ola Leuad.

Fflamau Penyberth will receive its world premiere at Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli on November 19 before touring Wales.

The tour will visit Theatr y Stiwt in Rhosllannerchrugog on November 20, Pontio in Bangor on November 24, Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea on November 26, Memo Arts Centre in Barry on November 27, Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon on November 28 and Theatr y Werin in Aberystwyth on December 3.

The tour will return to Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli for its final performance on December 5.

People wishing to support the appeal can make a contribution through OPRA Cymru's fundraising campaign, while tickets for performances are available through the individual theatre box offices.

The former Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman will perform at the venue on Sunday, June 27, 2027, as part of the Live at Llangollen Pavilion programme.

He will be joined by New Wave favourites Haircut 100 and singer, actress and performer Toyah for the evening.

Johnson found fame as the lead singer and lyricist of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, who became one of the biggest-selling British bands of the 1980s. Their first three singles – Relax, Two Tribes and The Power Of Love – all reached number one in the UK.

He went on to enjoy a successful solo career, with hits including Love Train, Americanos and Atomic City, as well as the album Blast.

Haircut 100 will also bring their classic songs to Llangollen, including Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), Love Plus One, Fantastic Day and Nobody's Fool.

The band recently reunited with original members Nick Heyward, Graham Jones, Les Nemes and Blair Cunningham and released their first new album in decades, Boxing The Compass.

Toyah completes the line-up. Her career has spanned five decades and includes hits such as It's A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Good Morning Universe.

The concert is one of a series of shows being staged at Llangollen Pavilion next summer, with James Morrison and Jack Savoretti, Alfie Boe, Ronan Keating and Blue also among the artists announced.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Artistic Director Dave Danford said the three performers had each made a distinctive contribution to British popular music.

He said the concert would bring together “three unmistakable names in British music” for an evening of iconic songs and audience favourites.

Tickets for Holly Johnson, Haircut 100 and Toyah go on general sale at 10am on Friday through the Llangollen Pavilion website and Ticketmaster.

The national charity, which campaigns to protect Victorian and Edwardian buildings and architecture, made the appointments at its Annual General Meeting in the town on Thursday, 25 September.

Tom Ashley, Anna Dewsnap, Dr Sarah Flew and Andrew Willetts will bring experience covering architectural conservation, historic buildings and collections, philanthropy, fundraising, finance and charity governance.

The appointments come as the Society says Victorian and Edwardian buildings across the country face increasing pressure from development, changes of use and the cost of maintaining historic properties.

Tom Ashley is Head of Cathedrals and Major Church Buildings for the Church of England and previously worked as a conservation adviser for the Victorian Society. He has also worked on the conservation and future of historic churches and cathedrals.

Anna Dewsnap is a curator and heritage consultant with more than 20 years' experience in the arts, historic houses and heritage sectors. She was formerly Head of House and Collections at Harewood House and now advises on collections, historic interiors and cultural heritage.

Dr Sarah Flew is an economic historian specialising in the financing of religious and philanthropic institutions in nineteenth-century Britain. Her research includes the funding of church building during the Victorian period. She is also Director of Development at the Royal College of Physicians.

The fourth new trustee, Andrew Willetts, is a Chartered Accountant who has held senior financial and commercial positions across a number of sectors, including healthcare, retail and charities. He becomes the Society's new Finance Trustee.

He succeeds Lynn Pearcy, who is standing down after ten years on the board.

The Society's Director, James Hughes, said the four appointments would strengthen the organisation at a time when Victorian and Edwardian buildings continue to face significant pressures.

He also paid tribute to Ms Pearcy for her decade of service and her work overseeing the Society's finances.

The Victorian Society is the national charity campaigning for the protection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It provides advice on threatened buildings and planning proposals and works with local authorities, churches and members of the public to help protect historic buildings.

Its work is particularly relevant in towns and cities across North Wales, where Victorian and Edwardian buildings form an important part of the built environment.

The Society's decision to hold its annual meeting in Llandudno also puts the town's own Victorian heritage in the spotlight.

Much of Llandudno's character comes from its development as a Victorian seaside resort, with its planned streets, terraces, hotels and distinctive architecture helping to define the town's identity today.

The new trustees will now begin working with the Society's existing board and staff as it continues its work to protect and promote the country's Victorian and Edwardian heritage.

Learners across the Grŵp's campuses voted for the volunteer-run charity following an initiative organised by this year's Student Union Presidents.

Blood Bikes Wales provides a free courier service to the NHS, transporting essential items including blood samples, plasma, donated human milk, medical documents and other materials across Wales.

The charity is entirely dependent on volunteers and donations to keep its service running, with its riders providing the service outside their normal working hours.

Students at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai will now spend the academic year raising money and awareness for the organisation, with dedicated charity weeks planned to highlight the work carried out by Blood Bikes Wales.

Cai Jones, Student Union President at Coleg Llandrillo, said: "We are really happy to be partnering with Blood Bikes this year. It's a charity fully funded by volunteers and we can't wait to raise vital funds for them to help keep this important work going."

He said students would also use their charity weeks to share information about the work of Blood Bikes Wales, including how its volunteer riders operate and how people can support the charity.

Aaron Beacher, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's Student Enrichment Officer, said the fundraising programme would be led by students themselves.

"Our shared goal is to raise awareness about the work of the charity and raise as much as we can during the next academic year," he said.

"Our fundraising is very student-led, they will guide us on the types of events that they want to do. I expect some interesting ideas to surface during our next meeting."

Blood Bikes Wales operates throughout the country, providing a service which can help NHS staff move time-sensitive medical materials between hospitals and other healthcare facilities without using NHS resources for the journeys.

The organisation's volunteers give their time to carry out the deliveries, while donations help cover the costs involved in keeping its motorcycles, equipment and operations running.

The partnership will give students the opportunity not only to raise funds but also to learn more about the role volunteers play in supporting the NHS across Wales.

Fundraising events will take place throughout the coming academic year, with students deciding which activities they want to organise as part of the campaign.

The operator's current contract is due to end on 7 March 2027, when the Department for Transport is expected to take control of the service as part of the government's programme to move contracted passenger rail operations into public ownership.

For passengers in North Wales, the change comes after years of frustration over cancellations, delays and changes to direct services to London.

Avanti operates the direct services between North Wales and London Euston, calling at stations including Holyhead, Bangor, Llandudno Junction, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Prestatyn before continuing through Chester and along the West Coast Main Line.

North Wales has already experienced reductions in the direct service. In December 2025, the Welsh Government raised concerns about the removal of the 19:32 direct service from Chester to London and a reduction to the Sunday Holyhead to London service. The Welsh Transport Secretary at the time warned that the changes would make journeys less convenient for passengers from North Wales and could affect business and tourism connections.

There have also been more immediate problems for passengers. Avanti's own performance report identified ageing railway infrastructure, temporary speed restrictions, traincrew issues and rolling-stock reliability among the factors affecting performance. In September, for example, a shortage of available trains resulted in one early-morning Holyhead to London service starting at Crewe instead, meaning passengers at Holyhead, Bangor, Llandudno Junction, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Prestatyn and Chester could not board that particular service.

The problems are not all within Avanti's control. The West Coast Main Line is a heavily used railway and disruption can result from Network Rail infrastructure problems, engineering work, signalling, power supplies and incidents elsewhere on the network.

The government says the move into public ownership will be accompanied by an improvement programme. It has announced an additional £10 million for power and signalling maintenance, on top of £840 million already pledged for improvements to the West Coast Main Line. A further £50 million is being invested in improvements at London Euston, with other stations on the route due to receive £10 million by the end of 2027.

Timetable changes are also planned, with the government saying the aim is to make services faster and more reliable, particularly on journeys into and out of Manchester.

For North Wales, however, one of the important questions will be what public ownership means for the frequency and reliability of the direct London service.

There is already a separate programme of improvements to rail services in North Wales. Transport for Wales introduced a substantially revised timetable in May 2026, increasing services on the North Wales Coast Line by around 50%, including an hourly Llandudno to Liverpool service and an extension of the hourly Manchester Airport to Holyhead service.

That means passengers will have to look at the two parts of the railway separately. Transport for Wales operates the majority of local and regional services in North Wales, while Avanti provides the long-distance direct connection to London.

The March change will therefore not mean that every train service in North Wales suddenly becomes publicly operated. Instead, responsibility for Avanti's contracted services will move from the current private joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia to the government's public-sector rail operating structure, ahead of the planned creation of Great British Railways.

Avanti says it will work with the government over the coming months to ensure a smooth transfer, while continuing to operate its services under the existing arrangements until the change takes place.

For passengers in North Wales, the test will ultimately be a straightforward one: whether trains turn up when they are supposed to, whether cancellations become less frequent, and whether the direct London connection remains a reliable option for people travelling from communities along the North Wales coast.

Public ownership changes who runs the service. It does not, by itself, solve the underlying problems of an ageing and heavily used railway. The government's investment in infrastructure, the future timetable and how the new public operator manages trains, staff and disruption will determine what passengers actually experience after March.

From Monday, 28 September, passengers travelling with Irish Ferries and Stena Line on a number of crossings will have to present a valid passport or passport card before travelling. Other forms of photographic identification, including driving licences and national identity cards, will no longer be accepted on those services.

The affected routes include Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Pembroke with Irish Ferries, along with Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard with Stena Line.

The change is particularly relevant to people travelling between North Wales and Ireland, including passengers using the Holyhead-Dublin route.

Under the Common Travel Area, British and Irish citizens continue to have the right to travel freely between the UK and Ireland without legally needing a passport. However, ferry operators are introducing their own passport requirements for these routes to meet UK Border Force requirements concerning passenger information and identity checks.

Stena Line says all passengers, regardless of age or nationality, will need to show a passport or passport card on the affected crossings.

The Irish Government's travel advice also confirms that the new ferry requirement comes into effect on 28 September, and advises passengers to check their travel documents before setting off.

The change follows similar requirements already introduced by many airlines. Passengers travelling by air between Ireland and Britain have generally been required to present a passport or passport card for boarding.

For people travelling from North Wales to Ireland, the practical message is simple: if you're booked on the Holyhead-Dublin ferry from Monday, take your passport or passport card with you. A driving licence will no longer be enough on the affected services.

It's also worth noting that this is not the EU's new Entry/Exit System. Ireland is outside the Schengen Area and is not participating in EES, so British visitors travelling to the Republic of Ireland do not have to register fingerprints or facial biometrics under that system.

The result keeps Ebbw Vale unbeaten after the opening three rounds of the SRC season, while RGC return North with two bonus points following a dramatic afternoon.

RGC made the perfect start at Eugene Cross Park, with Billy McBryde opening the scoring with a penalty after just five minutes.

But Ebbw Vale soon began to impose themselves, with handling errors costing RGC possession and the home side finding increasing success in attack.

A pass opened up space for centre Phillips to race through for the first try, with former RGC fly-half Harri Ford converting on his Ebbw Vale debut.

The Steelmen extended their lead when prop Luke Garrett crossed following another spell of pressure, with Ford again adding the extras.

RGC were also forced into an early change when prop Jessie Williams was forced off after 20 minutes, with Gareth Parry coming on.

The pressure continued and Ebbw Vale added a third try through Ryan Jenkins, again converted by Ford.

RGC's afternoon became even more difficult when Sam Williams was shown a yellow card, and Ebbw Vale took advantage of the extra man as Morgan Rees crossed for their fourth try.

Ford's conversion left the hosts 28-3 ahead.

But RGC finished the half strongly and finally found a way through.

Tudur Jones worked hard to bring the backline into the game and, following a quick tap penalty, Huw Davies crashed over for a much-needed try. McBryde produced an excellent conversion from the touchline to give the Gogs hope at the interval.

The second half was a completely different contest.

RGC returned with greater pace and purpose, carrying the ball aggressively into the Ebbw Vale defence. Huw Davies was prominent, while the Gogs also benefited from a yellow card for Ebbw Vale's Ieuan Morris.

Despite being down to 14 men, Ebbw Vale continued to control territory for long periods, with Ford's kicking repeatedly pinning RGC back.

But the Gogs' defence stood firm before the comeback gathered real momentum.

RGC's forwards drove towards the line and Sam Williams crossed for the score. McBryde converted to reduce the deficit.

Just a minute later, Williams was over again.

Another successful conversion from McBryde brought RGC to within four points with 12 minutes remaining.

Suddenly, the momentum was entirely with the visitors.

RGC continued to go through the phases and, on 73 minutes, they completed an extraordinary turnaround.

Tudur Jones wriggled free from a tackle, found a gap and raced through to score. McBryde converted once again and RGC had gone from 28-3 down to lead 31-28.

But Ebbw Vale had the final say.

With just two minutes remaining, the home side regained possession and moved the ball wide, allowing Dafydd Thomas to race over for the decisive try.

Ford added the conversion to put Ebbw Vale back in front at 33-31.

RGC had one final opportunity but could not find another score, ending a remarkable comeback without the victory.

The Gogs had scored 28 unanswered points to overturn a 25-point deficit, but Ebbw Vale's late response was enough to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

RGC take two bonus points back to North Wales from a dramatic third-round encounter.

The Midnight Pyjama Walk saw participants swap their usual Saturday night plans for pyjamas, flashing lights and a seven-kilometre walk along Colwyn Bay promenade.

The route began at Stadiwm Eirias before heading along the promenade to Rhos Point and back. Walkers stopped for a midnight snack at the halfway point before completing the return journey, with supporters cheering them across the finish line.

Among those taking part was the Lovelady family from Colwyn Bay, whose son Alfie attends Tŷ Gobaith.

Alfie lives with the ultra-rare condition X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, known as XALD, which affects the adrenal glands. Since being diagnosed aged nine, he has rapidly lost the use of his limbs and his ability to speak. He now communicates through blinking and eye movements.

Alfie needs round-the-clock care from his family and specialist nurses. Before the walk got underway, his mum Rachel spoke emotionally about their family's experiences.

Event organiser Laura Ellis-Bartlett thanked everyone who had supported the event, including headline sponsor Supertemps and supporting partners Aykroyd & Sons, Castlemead Group and Colwyn Bay Town Council.

She also paid tribute to the Lovelady family for sharing Alfie's story and taking part.

She said it was "heartwarming" to see so many people come together and give up a night's sleep to support local children and families.

Organisers say the fundraising total has now passed £6,400, with the money helping to support the work of Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children's hospices.

If you'd like to help the charity, there are still a few places left on their Dark Run events in October at Penrhyn Castle, Chirk Castle, Telford Park and Bolesworth Castle. They are super-fun early evening family fun runs in neon and Halloween fancy dress between 1.5km and 5km set to a pumping soundtrack.

Find out more and sign-up here.

Four men and a woman were sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday after being convicted of more than 40 offences following a three-month trial.

The offences took place between April 2022 and March 2024, when the victims were aged between 14 and 16. They involved incidents at cars, residential properties and business premises across Denbighshire.

The convictions followed two linked North Wales Police investigations, known as Operations Embank and Zirconium, which uncovered evidence of rape, sexual assault, child sexual exploitation, modern slavery, drug supply and attempts to obstruct justice.

Mustafa Iqbal, 43, of Trellewelyn Road, Rhyl, was sentenced to 30 years in prison, followed by a further five years on extended licence.

He was convicted of four counts of rape, sexual assault offences, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, conspiracy to traffic, conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour, drug supply offences and other charges.

Mohamed Usman Arshad, 36, of Clifton Grove, Rhyl, was jailed for 19 years after being convicted of three counts of rape, conspiracy to traffic, conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour and supplying cannabis.

Ziaullah Badshah, 25, of Brighton Road, Rhyl, was sentenced to 17 years after being convicted of two counts of rape, conspiracy to traffic, conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour and supplying cannabis.

Jaswinder Singh, 61, of River Street, Rhyl, received an eight-year sentence after being convicted of two counts of conspiracy to traffic and supplying cannabis.

Sarah Gray, 53, of Llanasa Road, Gronant, was also sentenced to eight years in prison. She was convicted of perverting the course of justice, assisting an offender and conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.

North Wales Police said the investigations involved months of work by detectives and specialist teams to establish what had happened and gather evidence.

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Richard Sidney said the conclusion of the case was an important moment for the three victims, who he said continue to live with the consequences of what happened.

He praised their courage throughout the investigation and trial and said the force would continue to pursue those who target children for sexual exploitation.

Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, North Wales Police also made a referral to the North Wales Safeguarding Board.

A Single Unified Safeguarding Review is now being carried out and the force says it is fully co-operating with the process.

The review relates to an original investigation in 2022 which was discontinued at the time because of evidential issues. North Wales Police subsequently reopened the investigation, leading to the convictions and prison sentences.

The safeguarding review is ongoing and its report has not yet been published. The force says it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further while that process continues.

Michael’s 26 has been established in memory of Michael James Caldwell, who died on October 7, 2025.

Its first service, Michael’s 26 Journeys, will provide free, pre-booked transport for young people and young adults in North Wales who need to travel for hospital treatment, investigations or specialist care.

The service will officially launch on December 3 – Michael's birthday – with the aim of providing 26 free hospital journeys in memory of his 26 years.

However, suitable journeys may be possible before the official launch, depending on availability, and healthcare professionals, support organisations, patients and families can already make enquiries.

The journeys will be personally provided by Michael's family using a licensed seven-seat Mercedes-Benz Vito.

They could include travel for cancer treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, scans, biopsies, procedures, specialist consultations and significant hospital treatment.

The service could also help patients travelling to specialist hospitals elsewhere in Wales or England.

Passengers will not have to travel alone. Parents, partners, carers, siblings or other appropriate support people may accompany them, subject to the safe and lawful capacity of the vehicle.

Michael's 26 is initially intended for people aged approximately 16 to 35 who live in North Wales, are facing a serious or potentially life-threatening illness and are experiencing genuine difficulty with the cost or availability of transport.

Although cancer patients are expected to form an important part of the service, support will not be restricted to cancer.

The project is currently making healthcare professionals, cancer and haematology teams, clinical nurse specialists, hospital social workers, Macmillan and other support organisations, GPs and hospices aware of the service.

Patients themselves, as well as parents, partners and other family members, can also make referrals. There is no charge for approved journeys.

The longer-term aim is to explore how Michael's 26 could grow and potentially provide further help with transport costs, parking, accommodation and grants. The project also has ambitions to eventually establish an annual Michael's 26 Challenge.

Michael's father Ray says the project is intended to create a lasting legacy from Michael's life by providing practical help to other young people and families facing serious illness.

More information can be found on Facebook. Further enquiries and referrals can be made by emailing michaels26journeys@gmail.com.

The council said it had been consulted by the Home Office in recent weeks about the proposal, which would involve accommodation for 12 asylum seekers in two houses in multiple occupation.

The council's role is to assess the suitability of proposed residential accommodation and provide evidence-based advice, taking into account local circumstances, potential impacts on the community and the wellbeing of existing residents and any future occupants.

It said the assessment had been carried out in consultation with partners and relevant elected officials to help inform the Home Office's decision.

Based on that assessment, the council has advised the Home Office that it does not support the proposal.

The council said it was committed to providing support to people seeking sanctuary who had been forced to leave their homes because of conflict, persecution, violence or humanitarian crises.

However, responsibility for providing accommodation for asylum seekers rests with the Home Office.

The council said it could not comment on or disclose details of accommodation procured by the Home Office.

The final decision on whether the proposed accommodation will be used for asylum seekers rests with the Home Office.