Mabon ap Gwynfor outlined a series of measures aimed at reducing pressure on hospitals and improving access to care across Wales.

Among the key pledges is the development of up to ten new surgical and diagnostic hubs over the next four years. The facilities are designed to increase NHS capacity, speed up diagnosis and treatment, and help reduce waiting times.

The Welsh Government has also pledged to eliminate all two-year waits for treatment within months and bring overall waiting lists back to pre-pandemic levels before the end of the current Senedd term.

Plans have also been announced to recruit up to 100 new salaried GPs and expand access to out-of-hours primary care services in an effort to reduce demand on busy hospital departments.

Community healthcare services will also be strengthened, with a greater emphasis on helping people receive care closer to home and ensuring patients can leave hospital sooner when medically fit to do so.

The Health Minister also confirmed work is underway on a new ten-year Digital and Data Strategy to modernise NHS systems and infrastructure, while a long-term workforce strategy is due to be published later this year.

Meanwhile, concerns over employment opportunities for newly qualified nurses, midwives and paramedics will be addressed through a dedicated summit after shortages of available posts emerged for this year’s graduates.

Announcing the plans, Mr ap Gwynfor said too many people in Wales were enduring lengthy waits for treatment.

“Having to wait years for treatment, with all the pain and anxiety that entails, is an intolerable reality for far too many people in Wales,” he said.

“With urgency, decisive action and ambition, we will protect the NHS and build a healthier, fairer Wales — with a health and care system that puts people first and delivers the change our nation needs.”

The announcement represents one of the first major policy statements from the new Welsh Government’s health team and signals a renewed focus on cutting waiting lists and reforming healthcare delivery across Wales.

Nineteen-year-old Ashton Allen, who is studying Level 3 Music Performance and Production, hosted the “Symphony of Giving” concert at Theatr Alwyn on the college’s Rhos-on-Sea campus in May.

The event was organised in memory of Ashton’s stepdad, Bayley, who died from a lung condition last year. Funds raised from the concert will go to New Start, the Wythenshawe Hospital Transplant Fund, a cause close to her family’s heart.

Ashton worked alongside friend Jenny, a Level 2 music student, to bring the event together, with a line-up featuring local bands made up of Coleg Llandrillo students. Performers included Bluefin, Amidarla, Anyway Champion, Assembly Point and Glass Angels, while music tutor James also took to the stage with Bluefin.

The concert marked the culmination of Ashton’s college journey, but it came after an incredibly difficult year following Bayley’s death in August.

“It has been hard for me to not quit,” Ashton admitted.

She dedicated the event to Bayley, describing him as “genuinely the strongest person I’ve ever known in my whole life.”

Reflecting on why she chose to organise the concert, Ashton said: “I couldn’t think of a better way to end my third and final year with a big end of year gig and just give everybody a chance to perform together one last time.”

Although nervous about speaking in front of the audience, Ashton said the support she received made the experience unforgettable.

“I felt like running away, but once I got half way through and took a deep breath I calmed down,” she said. “It was amazing seeing how people reacted. I really felt the support and it made me feel that we did something great.”

Ashton, who completes her studies this summer, plans to take a gap year to travel, spend time with friends and family, and continue developing her musical talents before heading to university.

“I’d love to live in the city at some point and learn more about the industry,” she said.

The successful event not only raised vital funds for charity but also provided a fitting tribute to Bayley and a memorable finale to Ashton’s time at Coleg Llandrillo.

The warning has been issued by Conwy's Harbour Master Matthew Forbes following the grounding of the vessel Vanguard II.

In a notice circulated through the North Wales Cruising Club, Mr Forbes said: “All mariners are advised that the vessel Vanguard II is presently lying on the shore at the Great Orme, latitude 53° 19.9’ north, longitude 3° 52.5’ west.

“As of 0930 this morning, it was still afloat with one engine running. The vessel represents a potential navigational hazard should it float free and mariners are advised to keep a good look-out when navigating in Conwy Bay.”

The incident occurred off the limestone headland of the Great Orme, a well-known landmark at the entrance to Llandudno Bay. The area is popular with leisure sailors, fishing vessels, paddle sports enthusiasts and sightseeing boats, particularly during the summer months.

Maritime users are being advised to remain vigilant and monitor navigation updates while passing through the area.

The exact circumstances surrounding how the vessel came to be stranded have not been confirmed.

The Great Orme coastline is known for its rocky shoreline and strong tidal conditions in places, with mariners regularly reminded to exercise caution when navigating close to shore. Conwy Bay also experiences significant tidal movements which can quickly alter conditions around grounded vessels.

At the time of the latest update, the vessel remained on the shoreline and authorities were continuing to monitor the situation.

Any further navigation warnings or updates are expected to be issued through the Harbour Master and maritime safety networks serving the North Wales coast.

Mredul Ontor, of Deiniol Road, Bangor, appeared before Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on June 1.

He has been charged with eight offences, including threats to kill, assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, and assaulting a child causing unnecessary suffering or injury.

The charges relate to an incident reported in Bangor on May 28.

Ontor was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Caernarfon Crown Court on July 3.

The Year 12 students from Ysgol John Bright impressed judges in Swansea with their innovative business idea, Zestee, which produces biodegradable golf tees made from waste tangerine peel. Their environmentally friendly product earned them both the Best Company and Innovation awards, securing a place in the UK national finals in Cardiff on June 3.

The seven-strong team – David, Marta, Tilly, James, Crystal, Austin and Eren – overcame competition from five other schools across Wales to claim the top honours. Their success follows victory in the North Wales regional round earlier this year.

Tilly, Zestee’s Financial Director, said: “I’m so proud of everything our team has put into this. Reaching the finals of the UK Young Enterprise Awards is more than we ever expected. We’re really looking forward to going to Cardiff.”

Supported by teachers Danielle Hicks and Lauren Barlow, the students have spent months developing their sustainable business concept, turning discarded tangerine peel into a practical product aimed at reducing waste and promoting environmentally responsible golfing.

The Cardiff finals mark a significant milestone for the competition, as it will be the first time the UK-wide Young Enterprise national finals have been held in Wales. Teams from across the United Kingdom will compete for the overall title, with the winners earning the opportunity to represent the UK at the European finals in Latvia.

Headteacher Hywel Parry praised the students’ achievement.

He said: “Zestee have come up with an innovative, environmentally aware idea and developed it into a marketable product. As a school we are so proud of their teamwork, creativity and ingenuity which has seen them crowned Welsh champions.

“These students show the school at its best – working together, innovating and ultimately achieving beyond their wildest ambitions. We are hugely proud of their achievements.”

As part of the Young Enterprise programme, the students have been responsible for every aspect of running their company, from product design and manufacturing to marketing, budgeting and sales. They have also built an online presence through social media and their own website, where their eco-friendly golf tees can be purchased.

Conwy County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Aaron Wynne, also congratulated the team.

He said: “All of us here at Conwy County Borough Council would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the pupils and staff involved. Getting to the finals of the UK Young Enterprise Awards is a massive achievement, and these young people are a great example of the talent we have across all our schools in Conwy.”

The talented team now heads to Cardiff carrying the hopes of Wales as they compete against the country’s best young entrepreneurs for a place in the European finals.

The Welsh Conservative leader, who has repeatedly raised concerns in the Senedd about digital exclusion in rural communities, said reliable broadband is now an essential service rather than a luxury.

Mr Millar recently met representatives from Openreach Cymru at the Senedd’s Y Farchnad event to discuss the ongoing expansion of full fibre networks across North Wales and to stress the importance of delivering improvements as quickly as possible.

He said many residents, businesses and families continue to contact him about poor broadband connections, which can affect everything from education and healthcare access to business growth and communication.

“Upgrading digital infrastructure is essential for reducing isolation, supporting local economies, and enabling remote working,” he said.

“It is transforming our way of life and the way we do business and the need for households and businesses to have access to next generation broadband and good mobile phone coverage in the twenty first century is paramount. Good connectivity is no longer a luxury.”

Mr Millar has long campaigned for improved digital infrastructure in rural parts of Clwyd, arguing that poor connectivity can leave communities at a disadvantage compared to more urban areas.

The rollout of full fibre broadband is seen as a key part of efforts to improve speeds and reliability, allowing more people to work from home, access online services and run businesses more effectively.

Highlighting the growing importance of digital technology, Mr Millar said: “The digital economy is growing seven times faster than the rest of the economy combined, and this is largely due to the vast adoption of mobile technologies such as smart phones and tablets.

“Ensuring people and businesses in all parts of Wales can get good mobile coverage and access to superfast broadband is vital.”

Openreach has been expanding its full fibre network across North Wales in recent years, with thousands of homes and businesses now able to access gigabit-capable broadband services. However, some remote and rural communities continue to face challenges because of geography and infrastructure costs.

Mr Millar said he would continue pressing for improvements to ensure those communities are not left behind.

“Access to reliable broadband should not depend on your postcode,” he said.

“Rural communities deserve the same opportunities and connectivity as anywhere else in the country. They want and deserve fair treatment and I will continue working with Openreach Cymru and others to ensure that they receive it.”

William Foulkes, also known as Lee, is being sought following an incident in the Llanfair TH area of Conwy on Monday, June 1.

The 32-year-old has links to Llan Ffestiniog but officers believe he could be anywhere in the Gwynedd area.

North Wales Police is urging anyone who has seen Foulkes or who has information about his whereabouts to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 26000434934.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Traeth Llanddwyn at Newborough, on Anglesey’s south-west coast, has topped the publication’s list of the UK’s 40 best beaches for 2026, beating hundreds of coastal destinations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Describing the location as “a true dreamscape”, Time Out praised the beach’s sweeping white sands, stunning views across the Irish Sea towards Eryri National Park and its unique setting alongside Newborough Forest.

The magazine highlighted the area’s rich natural beauty, including its rolling dunes, wildflowers, red squirrel habitat and the iconic tidal island of Llanddwyn, which is closely associated with Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers.

The recognition is likely to bring a fresh wave of visitors to the area during the summer months, further cementing Newborough’s reputation as one of Wales’ premier tourist destinations.

However, the accolade comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about the impact of growing visitor numbers on the beach, forest and surrounding community.

In recent years, local residents, conservation groups and public bodies have raised concerns about over-tourism at Newborough, particularly during periods of warm weather when car parks reach capacity and traffic congestion stretches for miles.

Natural Resources Wales has previously introduced measures to help manage visitor numbers and protect sensitive habitats, while appeals have regularly been made for people to follow the Countryside Code, dispose of litter responsibly and avoid disturbing wildlife.

The area is internationally important for nature conservation, with its dune system, pine forest and coastal habitats supporting a wide range of protected species.

Despite those challenges, tourism remains a vital part of Anglesey’s economy, supporting local businesses, accommodation providers and hospitality venues.

Many residents will cautiously welcome the national recognition whilst hoping that visitors continue to enjoy the area responsibly, and respect the community which can sometimes feel under seige from the sheer weight of visitors.

With summer now underway, Traeth Llanddwyn’s latest accolade is expected to place an even brighter spotlight on one of North Wales’ most spectacular coastal locations.

Strong Minds FC will take on a gruelling 251-kilometre relay from Cardiff to Conwy on Friday, June 26, in support of Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospice.

The team’s Castle 2 Castle Challenge will see eight runners and four support crew cover the 156-mile route in continuous five-kilometre relay stages, starting at Cardiff Castle and finishing at Conwy Castle.

Strong Minds FC’s Craig Wilkinson says the team is excited for the challenge and has been training together every Thursday evening in preparation.

The men’s charity football team uses sport to support mental health, providing a welcoming environment for men of all ages while raising money for good causes in the community.

Ahead of the event, Craig and teammate John visited Tŷ Gobaith to see first-hand the difference the hospice makes to local families.

Craig said they were “blown away” by the facilities and dedication of staff, describing the hospice as a place filled with warmth, care and compassion.

He added that every step taken and every pound raised will help provide vital support for children and families when they need it most.

The challenge has already attracted backing from a number of local businesses, including Vestas, Specsavers, Co-op, Enterprise and Lime Leasing.

Tŷ Gobaith fundraiser Nikki Sullivan praised the team’s efforts, saying what they’re doing is incredible alongside the work they already carry out supporting mental health.

She said hospice staff will be cheering them on every step of the way.

Anyone wishing to support the challenge can sponsor Strong Minds FC and follow their progress on Facebook by searching for “Strong Minds FC”.

The achievement comes through Supporting Shorts, an innovative filmmaking initiative led by Old Colwyn-based arts charity TAPE Community Music and Film.

The project aims to make the screen industries more inclusive by helping young people and underrepresented creatives develop their skills and bring their stories to the big screen.

Developed with support from the University of Leeds, Supporting Shorts was created in response to concerns from aspiring filmmakers who identified ongoing barriers to entering the industry, including the use of complex language and inaccessible processes.

As part of the project, screenwriting was selected as a practical area for change, leading to a collaboration with Final Draft and its Inclusivity Analysis tool. The partnership resulted in the creation of the Easy-Write Template, designed by diverse end users to make screenwriting more accessible and encourage wider participation. The template has now been incorporated into Final Draft 13 software.

The initiative has already produced two short films that are being screened before mainstream features in cinemas nationwide. “Race to the Start Line” is a comedy that follows a young man’s journey to a mountain bike race, while “The Return of James Vincent” is a mystery horror story set in a hotel.

Gill German has supported the project since attending its launch, where she met cast and crew members and saw first-hand the opportunities being created for young people and aspiring creatives across North Wales.

The MP has also accompanied the team to the British Film Institute’s headquarters in London, where they showcased their work to industry professionals. Members of the TAPE team and participating filmmakers have since gone on to collaborate with the BFI’s Inclusion Team, while Gill has also contributed to filming for a documentary charting the project’s development.

Speaking about the initiative, Gill said: “I was so proud to welcome the team to London and to see their work being recognised at such an influential level within the industry. TAPE is doing extraordinary work to break down barriers in filmmaking, and it’s inspiring to see them leading the way in making the industry more inclusive, accessible, and representative.

“Their commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices is not only transforming lives locally, but setting an example nationally for how the sector can and should evolve.”

She added: “It is really important we look at developing skills for everybody, particularly those with abundant creativity who have not had the opportunity to tap into that potential.”

Gill also highlighted government-backed employment initiatives, including the Right to Try Guarantee, Connect to Work and dedicated work coaches, which aim to help more people access meaningful careers.

“TAPE provides the perfect spaces and support for this,” she said. “I cannot wait to see their hard work pay off in these new films, where these brilliant stories will be platformed and heard.

“Talent exists in every community, and organisations like TAPE show what is possible when we invest in people and remove the barriers that stop them from participating. Everyone should feel a creative career is something they can aspire to.”

Founded in Old Colwyn in 2008, TAPE has supported more than 20,000 people across Wales and the wider UK through opportunities in filmmaking, audio production, virtual reality, design, podcasting, creative writing and other creative disciplines.

Its work focuses on inclusion, offering tailored training, flexible entry routes and long-term support to help people who have traditionally faced barriers to participation in the creative industries.

Steve Swindon, Founder and Creative Director of TAPE, said: “Genuine co-creation can inform and inspire change in the most meaningful of ways for individuals and communities.

“This work requires proper funding in order for the screen industries to make the changes it is sighted on. Having Gill’s support for the Supporting Shorts initiative has been hugely impactful in amplifying the project and the voices of those involved, for whom lasting change is most needed.”

The success of Supporting Shorts is now being viewed as a model for how inclusive practices can help diversify the UK’s creative industries while providing new opportunities for talented individuals from communities across North Wales.

North Wales Police say the workshop, which will be held at Llangefni Police Station on Sunday, June 7, is open to riders of all experience levels – from newly qualified motorcyclists looking to build confidence to seasoned bikers wanting to further develop their skills.

BikeSafe is a nationally recognised police-led programme designed to reduce motorcycle casualties by helping riders improve their road awareness, machine control and hazard perception. The workshops combine classroom-based learning with an observed ride and personalised feedback from advanced police motorcyclists.

Previous BikeSafe participants have praised the scheme for helping them identify bad habits, improve cornering and positioning techniques, and gain a better understanding of how to stay safe on often challenging rural roads.

Motorcyclists remain one of the most vulnerable groups of road users. Although bikes account for a relatively small proportion of traffic on UK roads, riders are disproportionately represented in serious and fatal collision statistics. Programmes such as BikeSafe aim to address that by encouraging continuous learning and safer riding practices.

The workshop starts at 9am and organisers say it offers riders a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills while enjoying some of the spectacular roads North Wales has to offer.

Limited places remain available, and riders can book online. Additional BikeSafe workshops are also planned in Wrexham, Pwllheli, Colwyn Bay and Bangor throughout the year.

The team has been involved in a wide range of incidents, helping prevent people from being cut off by the tide, providing casualty care and carrying out casualty extractions. Volunteers have also assisted colleagues from other emergency services at a variety of incidents across the region.

Coastguard officials say the area’s large tidal range can catch people out quickly. Along parts of the North Wales coast, the tidal range can exceed eight metres, meaning the incoming tide can move at walking pace or even faster, leaving little time for people to reach safety.

The warning comes as warmer weather attracts more visitors to beaches and coastal paths. In addition to the dangers posed by the rising tide, coastguard teams are reminding people about the risks of mud and soft sand, particularly around estuaries and sheltered bays. Mud can act like quicksand, trapping walkers, paddleboarders and beach-goers who stray from firm ground. Even shallow mud can make it extremely difficult to move, especially when combined with an incoming tide.

The team is encouraging anyone planning a visit to the coast to check tide times before setting out. A range of websites and smartphone apps provide location-specific tidal information and can help people plan their day safely.

Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team says extra caution should be taken when the tide is coming in, as conditions can change rapidly and escape routes can disappear within minutes.

Anyone who sees a person in danger or distress around the coast is urged to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately.

Claire Turner, a registered veterinary nurse (RVN), was removed from the register by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) after being convicted of burglary offences involving a veterinary practice in Mochdre.

Turner was sentenced in August 2025 after pleading guilty to repeatedly entering Mochdre Vets as a trespasser to steal medication, including ketamine. Llandudno Magistrates’ Court heard that she entered the premises dozens of times between January and March 2024 while on sick leave from the practice.

The court was told that another member of staff, described as a junior member of the practice team, had initially come under suspicion as a result of the missing medication.

Turner claimed she had taken drugs from the practice to help manage pain associated with health problems. She initially denied the charges before later changing her plea, although she continued to deny taking ketamine from the premises.

She received a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work, pay £1,161.20 in compensation and costs, and was made subject to a five-year restraining order.

Following the conviction, the RCVS disciplinary committee considered whether Turner remained fit to practise as a veterinary nurse.

The committee concluded that the conviction, together with a number of aggravating factors, meant she was no longer suitable to remain on the register.

Committee chair Paul Morris said Turner’s actions were “fundamentally incompatible” with the responsibilities of a registered veterinary nurse and represented “a serious departure from professional standards”.

In its findings, the committee noted that Turner had shown no remorse for her actions and had instead attempted to place blame on others.

Mr Morris said: “Mrs Turner has not demonstrated any remorse for her behaviour and instead has sought to blame others; she has demonstrated a complete lack of insight, especially in regard to the impact of her behaviour on public confidence and trust in the profession.

“In light of these conclusions, the committee decided that the only appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case was removal from the register.

“The committee determined that it was important that a clear message be sent that this sort of behaviour is wholly inappropriate and not to be tolerated. It brought discredit upon Mrs Turner and discredit upon the profession.”

As a result of the ruling, Turner has been removed from the RCVS register and can no longer practise as a registered veterinary nurse in the UK.

Officers say Sheridan is believed to have links to the local area, and are urging members of the public not to approach him if seen.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101, or use the live webchat service, quoting reference 26000418267.

In a statement, officers stressed that even small pieces of information could help assist their enquiries and ensure the matter is dealt with safely and appropriately.

The project, led by the Melanoma Fund in partnership with Isle of Anglesey County Council and Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand, coincides with Sun Awareness Week and seeks to encourage people to take greater action to protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

At the heart of the initiative is the installation of a new UV safety station in Trearddur Bay, alongside educational signage and public messaging designed to make UV risk more visible and encourage people to adopt safer behaviours when spending time outdoors.

Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Wales, with non-melanoma skin cancer accounting for a significant proportion of all cancer diagnoses. Health experts warn that rates are continuing to rise, making prevention and early education increasingly important.

Michelle Baker, Chief Executive of the Melanoma Fund, said the project aims to address a gap between awareness and action.

“Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Wales, yet most people still don’t act on UV risk in real time. We don’t have an awareness problem – we have a behaviour problem,” she said.

The initiative stems from research carried out by nine third-year nursing students from Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand during a community clinical placement. Working remotely under the guidance of Professor Jean Ross, who has longstanding links to the region, the students examined public understanding of UV exposure in Trearddur Bay.

Their findings revealed significant gaps in awareness and highlighted the need for visible, community-led interventions that encourage people to respond to UV risks as they occur.

Professor Ross said: “What we identified in Trearddur Bay reflects a wider gap in how communities understand and respond to UV exposure. What makes this project different is that the response is visible, practical, and led at community level. That’s where real change happens.”

The idea first caught the attention of Councillor Keith Roberts after he saw details of the students’ work on social media. Recognising its potential, he helped bring the pilot project to Anglesey and acted as the local point of contact.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Cllr Roberts.

“By working in partnership, we have an opportunity to lead the way in prevention and create a model that can be adopted more widely across Wales and beyond.”

The pilot is the first coordinated effort of its kind in the UK to embed sun safety across an entire coastal community. As well as the UV safety station, the programme includes Sunguarding signage featuring designs created by the New Zealand nursing students, workforce training for beach wardens and outdoor workers, and educational resources for local schools.

The initiative will also be promoted through community events, including a forthcoming Swim Safe event, while support from the Wales Sports Association will help extend the programme into local sports clubs, enabling coaches and outdoor leaders to receive training on UV risk and prevention.

Anglesey’s Public Protection portfolio holder, Councillor Nicola Roberts, said the project demonstrates how education and prevention can work together.

“This pilot brings together public health, safety and education in a very practical way,” she said.

“By promoting sun safety and giving children and families the knowledge and tools to protect themselves, we are directly supporting their wellbeing while reducing preventable health risks.

“This initiative is a strong example of how early prevention and education can work hand in hand to deliver lasting benefits for our communities.”

Under the programme, trained beach wardens and other personnel will help reinforce public understanding of UV exposure, including advice that sun protection becomes essential whenever the UV Index reaches three or above.

Organisers hope the Anglesey pilot will provide evidence for a wider rollout across Wales and the UK, creating a model that local authorities can adopt in beaches, schools, sports facilities and other community settings.

With skin cancer rates continuing to rise, supporters believe the initiative could play a significant role in helping people better understand UV risk and reduce preventable skin damage in the years ahead.

More information is available from the Melanoma Fund.