North Wales Police was called to Llyn Geirionydd, near Betws-y-Coed, at around 7.10pm on Sunday, July 19, after concerns were raised for a man at the 45-acre lake on the lower slopes of the Carneddau mountains.

Despite searches continuing overnight, police have confirmed the man remains missing.

His family has been informed and is being supported.

North Wales Police said there will continue to be an increased emergency service presence at the lake while the search operation continues.

A spokesperson said: “Immediate family have been informed and are being supported.

“We ask members of the public to avoid the area today to allow emergency services to continue their work.

“Anybody who was at the lake yesterday evening who hasn’t already spoken to police should contact us.”

Local reports suggested a significant emergency response was underway on Sunday evening, with a helicopter seen circling the area and specialist search teams attending.

Llyn Geirionydd is one of the most popular lakes in Eryri National Park, attracting walkers, visitors and watersports enthusiasts. It is the only lake in the national park where speedboats are permitted.

The latest search comes less than two weeks after the body of a 21-year-old man was recovered from the same lake.

Police are asking anyone who was at Llyn Geirionydd on Sunday evening and has not yet spoken to officers to come forward.

Information can be provided through the North Wales Police website or by calling 101, quoting reference O116523.

The annual campaign, led by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), is focusing this year on the often-overlooked impact of life-changing injuries suffered on farms, warning that the consequences can affect families, businesses and entire rural communities for years.

The message is particularly relevant in North Wales, where farming remains a cornerstone of the rural economy.

New statistics released for the campaign show that 22 farm workers lost their lives across England, Scotland and Wales during 2025/26, matching the previous year's total and underlining the industry's ongoing safety challenges.

The figures also reveal that agriculture, forestry and fishing workers are around seven times more likely to be killed at work than those in construction and 21 times more likely than the average worker across all industries.

Half of those killed were aged 65 or over, while one in ten fatalities involved children.

Organisers say the headline figures only tell part of the story, with thousands more farm workers suffering injuries that permanently affect their ability to work and live independently.

A survey of more than 400 farmers and agricultural workers across the UK found many fear surviving a serious accident with life-changing injuries more than losing their lives. Nearly half of respondents under 40 said they were more concerned about ending up with a disability than dying in an accident.

Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, said serious injuries can have consequences that last a lifetime.

"When we talk about farm safety, fatalities understandably dominate the conversation, but serious injuries can be just as life-changing," she said.

"A fall from height, an encounter with machinery, a vehicle incident - these don't always result in death, but they can leave someone living with chronic pain, reduced mobility, disability or an inability to continue working."

The campaign comes as North Wales, like much of the UK, continues to experience periods of hot weather during the summer, bringing additional risks for those working outdoors.

Farm safety experts warn that dehydration, fatigue and heat stress can reduce concentration and increase the likelihood of accidents involving machinery, vehicles, livestock and working at height.

Workers in agriculture are also exposed to significantly higher levels of sunlight than most other occupations. According to campaign organisers, agriculture accounts for almost a quarter of occupational deaths linked to sun exposure, with around one farm worker dying every month from skin cancer caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The charity is encouraging farmers and agricultural workers to stay hydrated, take regular breaks, wear suitable protective clothing and sunscreen, and ensure machinery is properly maintained during the busy summer period.

Farm Safety Week runs throughout the week and aims to encourage conversations about safety, wellbeing and risk-taking across farming communities in Wales and the rest of the UK.

Organisers say the goal is simple: to ensure that more people return home safely from work every day and to reduce the number of families affected by avoidable tragedies on farms.

The wreck of the Vanguard II was lifted from its position on the rocks by Conwy County Borough Council's Harbour Team, working alongside Barmouth-based marine salvage specialists UIMS.

The vessel had remained lodged beneath the Great Orme after running aground, prompting concerns about navigation safety and the potential environmental impact of the wreck if it remained in place.

Conwy Harbour Master Matt Forbes said the operation required careful planning, favourable weather conditions and precise timing with the tides.

"As there were multiple holes in the vessel's hull, it was floated using six large air bags and winched off the rocks using the harbour mooring vessel," he explained.

The remote location of the wreck created significant logistical challenges, with all equipment having to be transported to the site by sea.

Mr Forbes said the recovery team had been waiting for a suitable combination of calm weather and high tides to carry out the operation safely.

"A good forecast on Friday meant the team worked hard through the week to rig the chains necessary to hold the airbags in place in time," he said.

"Despite leaving Conwy at 5am on Friday, the wreck was rigged with only minutes to spare on the rising tide."

Divers wearing dry suits worked in temperatures of around 23C to recover airbags from the water before securing them to the vessel.

Once afloat, the Vanguard II was towed back across the bay to a beach within Conwy Harbour, where it will now be disposed of.

Mr Forbes described the tow back to harbour as "its final voyage".

The operation brings an end to a lengthy chapter which began when the yacht became stranded beneath one of North Wales' most recognisable landmarks. The incident attracted widespread public interest, with many walkers and visitors spotting the vessel from the Great Orme and the surrounding coastline in recent weeks.

The cost of the recovery operation was met by the vessel's insurers.

The Welsh Government says the funding will support families by making homes more energy efficient, while helping to create healthier living conditions and reduce the impact of rising energy costs.

The investment follows a review of the Welsh Government’s Warm Homes programme, which identified opportunities to improve the way energy efficiency upgrades are delivered.

Three existing programmes will receive funding.

Around £8 million will go towards the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy efficiency improvements in social housing.

A further £5 million will support the Nest scheme, helping eligible households in the private sector.

The remaining £4 million will fund new area-based projects, including support for rural and off-grid households which rely on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas.

The Welsh Government says these projects will be particularly important for rural communities across Wales, including areas where alternative heating systems are common.

Some residents who have already received upgrades have seen significant reductions in their energy costs.

At Parc Penrhiw in Ammanford, improvements including solar panels, battery storage, insulation and modern heating systems have helped some households reduce monthly energy bills from around £200 to less than £100.

Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian said the investment would help more families across Wales.

“What we've seen at Parc Penrhiw shows exactly why this investment matters,” she said.

“These are real families spending less to live safely and comfortably in their homes, with lower energy bills putting more money back into people's pockets and helping with the cost of living.”

The Welsh Government says the programme will also help support its wider ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and improve housing standards.

Properties which previously relied on coal fires have been upgraded with cleaner heating alternatives, improving air quality and reducing the physical demands of keeping homes warm.

Jennifer Devereaux, who recently moved into a fully upgraded home with her daughter, said the improvements had transformed their living conditions.

“I never thought I’d be in credit with my energy supplier,” she said.

“Moving away from the coal fire has made such a difference — the house is warmer when it’s cold outside, it’s healthier, and I don’t have to worry about bills the way I used to.”

The Welsh Government says the £17 million package is the first stage of a wider commitment to improving energy efficiency in homes across Wales and helping households facing cost-of-living pressures.

Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, owns more than 3,000 venues nationwide, including Ye Old Mail Coach in Conwy, Cross Keys Hotel and The Carlton in Llandudno, and Pen Y Bryn in Llanrwst.

The Pubs Code Adjudicator has launched a statutory investigation into Stonegate, saying there are “reasonable grounds” to suspect the company may have failed to provide “accurate and transparent information” to existing and prospective tied pub tenants.

The investigation will examine Stonegate’s conduct between July 2021 and July 2026 and will look at whether the company has met its responsibilities under the Pubs Code, which was introduced in 2016 to ensure fair treatment for tied pub tenants.

Pubs Code Adjudicator Fiona Dickie said the investigation followed concerns raised through the regulator’s 2026 Tied Tenant Survey.

She said: “The results identified concerns and issues relating to the satisfaction of tenants of Stonegate in their tied relationship, which has been the lowest of the regulated pub-owning businesses for at least the last three years.

“Particular tenant concerns relate to repairs to the pub premises.”

The regulator is now asking current and former Stonegate tenants, as well as other interested parties, to provide information that could assist with the investigation.

The Pubs Code Adjudicator says anyone who provides evidence will not be identified in the final report without their consent.

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Wednesday, August 12.

Ms Dickie added: “This will help us to determine whether the Pubs Code has been broken and, if so, the impact on tenants and what further action should be taken.”

Stonegate Group said it was committed to complying with the Pubs Code and ensuring publicans are treated fairly.

A spokesperson said: “Stonegate has communicated at length with the Pubs Code Adjudicator over the two specific cases that form the basis of this investigation, and we will cooperate fully throughout.

“We remain committed to working fairly and transparently with our publicans and to building strong, successful partnerships.”

Roxanne Aston, Nicole Davies and Sioned Jones all joined the same Step into Care programme on the same day before securing jobs at Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon.

Ten years later all three have built successful careers after admitting they had little or no idea what they wanted to do when they left college.

The initiative run by Pendine Park in partnership with the King’s Trust, previously known as the Prince’s Trust, included classroom training and work experience at Bryn Seiont Newydd.

They loved it so much that each of them applied for a permanent role at the home which specialises in providing dementia care.

Looking back the trio said signing up for the programme was a life-changing decision that gave them confidence, direction and great careers they never expected to find in the social care sector.

They are the latest in a long line of success stories as a result of the long-standing partnership between Pendine and the King’s Trust.

Roxanne, or Roxy, Aston, 29, hails from Caernarfon said she was just completing a course at Coleg Menai when she saw a leaflet about the Prince's Trust care programme.

"I hadn't really thought about working in the care sector before but it looked interesting and I thought I would give it a go. Now, ten years later I can't imagine doing anything else," she said.

As a care practitioner Roxy said she rotates around Bryn Seiont Newydd's 12 lounges meeting with all of the care home's 107 residents.

"I enjoy meeting the residents and talking with them and hearing their stories about their life and their families. It is the best part of the job," she said.

Nicole, also 29, from Penygroes, said: “I really didn’t know what I wanted to do so I grabbed the chance to join the Prince’s Trust course — and I absolutely loved it. so I decided to give the Prince’s Trust course a go — and I ended up really enjoying it.

I’m so glad I did that three-week course because it helped me so much. After that, I applied for a full-time job at Bryn Seiont Newydd, and now I’m proud to be part of the team.”

She started out at Bryn Seiont Newydd in the housekeeping team as a care support worker, quickly moved up to supervisor, and was promoted to Head Housekeeper in July 2020.

“I became Head Housekeeper while we were still in lockdown because of Covid-19. It was a really tough time, but we all pulled together as a team and did everything we could to keep it out of the home.”

Nicole added working at Bryn Seiont Newydd has transformed her confidence.

“When I first arrived, I was incredibly shy. Now I feel so much more sure of myself — it’s made such a difference.”

Sioned first joined Bryn Seiont Newydd as part of the housekeeping team before discovering her passion for care.

The 29-year-old from Llanllyfni explained: “Like Nicole and Roxy, I wasn’t sure which career path to follow, and I hadn’t considered the care sector until I enrolled on the Prince’s Trust course.

"Starting in housekeeping gave me a great base and moving into care support opened my eyes to how rewarding this environment can be. Although Bryn Seiont Newydd felt daunting at first, I quickly settled in.

"The most fulfilling part of my role was building relationships with residents and supporting them to stay as independent as possible — it’s at the heart of what makes this place special.

"When I was ready for a new challenge, I transitioned into health and safety. After completing my training, I took responsibility for all aspects of health and safety on site. It’s a very different role, but just as vital, and Bryn Seiont Newydd has its own unique approach. I feel the position suits me very well.”

Bryn Seiont Newydd manager Sandra Evans said the trio had "slotted perfectly" into the day-to-day life of the care home from the day they started.

"We take very proud of all three of them and the residents of Bryn Seiont Newydd have benefitted significantly from the commitment Sioned, Roxanne and Nicole have shown in advancing their professional development.

"They are exemplary members of staff who, over time, have truly flourished and demonstrated the dedication required to attain the positions they hold today."

Pendine Park owner Mario Kreft MBE added the company are committed to supporting people of all ages coming to work in care and support the Prince's Trust and the 'truth  about youth' project.

 He said: “Of those taking part in the Prince’s Trust scheme we have conversion rate of more than 50 per cent into employment and Roxanne, Nicole and Sioned are shining examples of what you can achieve. They’re great role models.

“We are very proud of the training and personal development programmes we have created. It is something we have been doing for many years so we can provide high quality care, with the emphasis on the long-term wellbeing of our residents and staff.

“The King’s Trust does a truly brilliant job of giving young people hope, belief in themselves and the opportunity to build brighter futures, and we are immensely proud to play our part in that journey by helping them discover rewarding careers in care.”

The Prince's Trust charity was founded in 1976 by King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales) to help and support young people aged 11-to-30-year-olds who are unemployed or facing issues such as homelessness, disability or mental health problems.

It is the UK's leading youth charity, having helped over 1,000,000 young people turn their lives around, created 125,000 entrepreneurs, and given business support to 395,000 people.

Granted a Royal Charter in 1999 the Prince's Trust runs a range of training programmes, providing practical and financial support to build young people's confidence and motivation. Staff, volunteers and partner organisations work with about 60,000 young people each year with three in four moving on to employment, education, volunteering, or training.

In late 2023 the Prince’s Trust, and all Prince’s Trust charities globally, become The King's Trust with the monarch as its president.

Janet Finch-Saunders MS has written to the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, calling for the views of local communities to be fully considered as part of the planning process.

The proposed development has prompted concerns among residents, including the potential impact on the landscape, noise, effects on nearby homes and farms, and how local voices will be taken into account when decisions are made.

The Senedd Member for Bangor, Conwy and Môn said she had been contacted by a number of residents worried about the proposals and wanted assurances that their concerns would be properly considered.

She said renewable energy had an important role to play in Wales’ future, but added that this should not come at the expense of rural communities or the character of the countryside.

Mrs. Finch-Saunders also highlighted concerns from communities including Llansannan and Llanfair Talhaiarn, where residents have raised issues about further proposed developments and the combined impact of multiple infrastructure projects.

She said: "Many residents feel that they are facing wave after wave of major infrastructure proposals. Communities such as Llansannan and Llanfair Talhaiarn are already concerned about the impact of Mynydd Tryfan and other proposed developments, and it is only right that the cumulative effect on our rural areas is properly assessed rather than considering each application in isolation."

Mrs. Finch-Saunders added that she was seeking assurances from the Welsh Government that residents would have confidence their views genuinely mattered throughout the decision-making process.

The Welsh Government has been contacted for a response.

Running from Saturday 8 August to Sunday 16 August 2026, the festival will showcase the wide range of artistic talent across North Wales, with activities including visual arts, music, literature, photography, pottery, film, needlework and crafts.

Organisers say the programme has been designed to offer something for everyone, from experienced artists to people simply looking to try something new.

The week will begin with an outdoor painting day on Sunday 9 August, inviting artists of all ages and abilities to capture the scenery and views around Llanfairfechan. Participants can paint, draw, watch artists at work or simply enjoy meeting others involved in the creative community.

Many events throughout the week will be free, with a mixture of workshops, demonstrations, talks and performances taking place at venues across the town.

Highlights include opportunities to try lino printing, wet felting, crochet, sustainable fashion, abstract painting, Sashiko stitching, furniture upcycling and digital creativity using tools such as Canva.

Families and children will also be able to take part in creative sessions including pottery painting, making cardboard castles, pouring art workshops and building boats from natural materials.

The programme also features a strong music line-up, with performances from Lonely Mountain, Ofergoelus and Hannah Popey, along with a concert celebrating the music of Simon and Garfunkel. There will also be play-along sessions with groups including the Vagabonds, North Wales Guitar Circle and Sticky Fingers Guitar Group.

Film lovers can enjoy a screening of the Oscar-nominated hand-painted animated film about Vincent Van Gogh, while local authors and creatives will share their experiences through talks and discussions.

The final weekend, on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, will see Llanfairfechan host an art exhibition and art fair, showcasing artists from across North Wales. Visitors will have the chance to view and buy artwork, while local shops and cafés will also display pieces as part of an art trail around the town.

Among the featured sessions are workshops and demonstrations from local artists and makers, including live portrait painting with Jeremy Yates RCA, architecture talks exploring the work of Herbert Luck North, spoken word performances from Ysgol Aberconwy, and community art activities.

Organisers say the event aims to celebrate creativity while bringing people together.

A spokesperson for Wythnos Gelf Llanfairfechan Arts Week said:

"This is a week celebrating the creative life of North Wales. Whether you are an artist, musician, craft maker, or someone who simply enjoys discovering something new, there will be something for everyone to enjoy."

The full programme and booking details are available via the Wythnos Gelf Llanfairfechan Arts Week Facebook page and Eventbrite.

For more information, email celfllanfairfechanart@gmail.com.

The incident happened at around 7.08pm yesterday evening, when emergency services were called to reports of a collision involving a red all-terrain quad bike and a green all-terrain quad bike.

The rider of the red quad bike suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

North Wales Police is now asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or anyone who was on Barmouth Beach at the time and may have information, to come forward.

PC Owain Roberts, of the Roads Policing Unit, said officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw the two quad bikes before the collision.

He said: "We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw the red and green quad bikes prior to the collision, or who may have captured either vehicle on dashcam, CCTV, doorbell camera or mobile phone footage.

"We are especially interested in speaking to anyone who saw the red quad bike and the green quad bike travelling alongside each other in the moments leading up to the collision."

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Wales Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference O115918.

Emergency services were called to the area near McDonald’s at Mostyn Champneys Retail Park shortly before 11am yesterday following reports of a collision involving several vehicles and pedestrians.

Two Wales Air Ambulance helicopters attended the scene alongside other emergency crews. Five people, including a driver and four pedestrians, were later taken to hospital for further assessment.

Following speculation circulating on social media, North Wales Police issued a statement confirming the incident was being treated as a road traffic collision and that there was no wider threat to the public.

The force said: "We are aware of speculation circulating on social media, and would like to reassure members of the public that this was a response to a road traffic collision and there is no risk to the public."

A police spokesperson added that officers received multiple calls shortly after 10.50am regarding the collision.

They are now appealing for witnesses, including anyone who saw the vehicle being driven before the crash or anyone who was in the area at the time.

Police are also asking anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage that may assist the investigation to come forward.

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said crews were called at 10.52am and sent emergency resources including a Cymru High Acuity Response Unit, a Duty Operations Manager and three emergency ambulances.

Advanced critical care support was provided by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service through two Wales Air Ambulance helicopters.

Five patients were transported by road to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference O115621.

A total of 31 projects across Wales will receive support, with several schemes in North Wales including improvements at Colwyn Bay Library, Rhyl Library, Caernarfon Library, Llangollen Museum, Penmaenmawr Museum and Holyhead Maritime Museum.

The investment will help modernise buildings, improve digital access and protect important local collections for future generations.

In Conwy County, Conwy County Borough Council will receive funding for the Conwy Creative Culture Futureworks project, while Colwyn Bay Library will benefit from improvements aimed at enhancing sustainability and the visitor experience.

Further west, Penmaenmawr Museum will receive support through its “Let’s Get Digital!” project, helping to transform its digital infrastructure and make its collections more accessible.

On Anglesey, Holyhead Maritime Museum will use funding for its “New Horizons” project, while Gwynedd will benefit through improvements to Lloyd George Museum in Llanystumdwy and a transformation project at Caernarfon Library.

In Denbighshire, Rhyl Library will receive investment to reconfigure and update its first-floor facilities, while Llangollen Museum will improve access to its collections through digitisation and conservation work.

The funding is part of a wider programme designed to support cultural organisations of all sizes, including smaller independent and community-run museums.

Other projects receiving support across Wales include the Richard Burton Archives at Swansea University, Newport Central Library’s children’s library refurbishment, Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, Swansea Museum, The Egypt Centre, Firing Line Museum in Cardiff, and the Opening Up Powys project.

Announcing the investment, Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan said museums, libraries and archives are central to communities across Wales.

She said: "These are places where people connect with our culture and history, where children discover a love of reading, and where older people share their memories. They are places everyone should feel welcome."

The Minister added that the funding would help protect collections, improve access and ensure cultural spaces are ready for the future.

Among the projects supported is Newport Library, where funding will help transform the children’s library into a more welcoming and accessible space for young people, families and community groups.

The Welsh Government says the grants were designed to be accessible to organisations of different sizes, with funding of up to £500,000 available for individual projects.

The investment is expected to help preserve Wales’ heritage while ensuring museums, libraries and archives continue to play a role in bringing communities together.

John Welsh, of Kingsland Road, Holyhead, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on 17 July for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to multiple offences, including two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of MDMA, possession of cannabis and possession of criminal property.

North Wales Police said officers became aware of suspicious activity linked to Welsh’s home on 15 November 2025.

When officers entered the property, they found Welsh in possession of Class A, B and C drugs, including cocaine. A quantity of cash and items linked to the supply of drugs were also seized.

Further enquiries, including examination of Welsh’s mobile phone, uncovered evidence linked to drug dealing.

Police later returned to the address in June 2026, where Welsh was again found involved in supplying drugs to another person. Officers searching him discovered cocaine concealed inside his sock.

Following the hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court, Welsh was sentenced to five years in prison.

PC Reynolds said the conviction demonstrated continued action against those involved in supplying drugs in Ynys Môn.

He said: "There continues to be successful convictions for those supplying drugs and causing harm within the community of Ynys Môn.

"These individuals create risk and harm to vulnerable people in our community and are a driver for linked criminality and anti-social behaviour."

Police said they will continue to target those involved in drug supply and are encouraging anyone with information about drugs in their community to report it.

Information can be passed to North Wales Police or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield secured sixth place overall in the highly competitive youth skiff championship, while teammates Ben Greenhalgh and Tom Sinfield finished ninth, marking a major achievement for Welsh sailing.

The event, held on the Baltic Sea in northern Germany, attracted more than 270 entries from across the world, with challenging conditions testing competitors’ boat handling, teamwork and consistency.

Sarah McGovern, Chief Operating Officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said having two Welsh boats finish in the top ten was an exceptional achievement.

She said: "Having two Welsh 29er boats in the top 10 at the 29er Worlds is absolutely unheard of - a sign of brilliant things to come."

She also thanked Sport Wales for its continued support of the Hwylio Cymru performance programmes, which help young sailors access equipment, coaching and development opportunities.

The sailors are part of the Welsh National Sailing Team, with support from RYA Cymru Wales and Sport Wales helping them compete at the highest level.

Reflecting on their result, Jac and Ben said they were proud of their sixth-place finish after a demanding week of racing.

They said: "Kiel threw everything at us. Every day was a different day from windy to light to shifty to wavy, we had it all. We were able to stay consistent throughout the week and rely fully on our equipment."

The success follows another strong performance at the annual Kieler Woche regatta, where Ben Greenhalgh and Tom Sinfield finished third men’s team and fifth overall in a fleet of 157 boats.

Tom said the team recovered from a difficult start at the World Championships to secure their top-ten finish.

He said: "It was a rough start with a yellow flag and a big error on the first day, but we kept our heads high and results consistent to manage to climb into the top 10."

Jac and Ben will now hope to secure selection for Great Britain for the Youth Sailing World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal, later this year, before progressing towards the Olympic 49er class.

The achievements come as Welsh sailing introduces new Welsh Sail / Hwyl Cymru awards, recognising athletes and coaches who represent Wales internationally.

The Welsh National Sailing Team currently supports around 70 young sailors across seven junior and youth classes, providing coaching, training camps and pathways towards international competition.

The team says the latest results highlight the growing strength of youth sailing in Wales, with North Wales clubs continuing to produce athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.

The heritage railway has responded to recent reports of a national “steam ban” following restrictions placed by Network Rail on steam-hauled charter trains operating on the national rail network due to increased wildfire risks.

However, the Llangollen and Corwen Railway says those restrictions do not apply to its services because it operates on its own independent heritage railway infrastructure and is not part of the Network Rail network.

Despite continuing services, the railway says it is taking the current weather conditions seriously and has introduced extra precautions to protect the railway and surrounding countryside.

A dedicated fire train will patrol sections of the route considered to be at higher risk, carrying pumps and firefighting equipment ready to respond quickly if a lineside fire occurs.

Steam locomotives and trains will also be equipped with hoses and fire beaters, while crews will monitor conditions throughout the day.

The measures will allow visitors to enjoy steam journeys through the Dee Valley behind two Great Western Railway locomotives — GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754 and GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802 — as the summer holidays begin.

Matthew Carty, Head of Llangollen Railway’s Footplate Team, said the railway understood the concerns caused by the hot weather but had planned carefully to ensure services could continue safely.

He said: "The recent restrictions announced this week relate to steam trains operating on the Network Rail network and do not apply to independent heritage railways such as Llangollen Railway.

"However, we fully recognise the current hot and dry conditions and are taking them extremely seriously. We've planned extensively for this weekend, with a dedicated fire train patrolling those sections of the line that present the greatest risk."

He added that steam locomotives remain central to the railway’s operation, but safety remains the priority.

Visitors will be able to travel behind the two Great Western steam locomotives on Saturday, with services running between Llangollen and Corwen throughout the day.

The popular Ales from Wales train will also operate, giving passengers the chance to enjoy Welsh real ales while travelling through the Dee Valley behind GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802.

The railway is encouraging passengers to book tickets in advance ahead of the weekend services.

North Wales Police were called at 2.40pm following reports of an incident on the beach in the vicinity of the pier.

Officers attended the scene and cordoned off part of the beach with police tape while enquiries were carried out. A visible police presence remains in the area as investigations continue.

A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: "We were called at 2.40pm today (Friday) to reports of an incident on the beach in the vicinity of Colwyn Bay Pier.

"Officers attended and one man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence. A police presence remains in the area and our investigation is ongoing."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Wales Police via their live webchat service or by calling 101, quoting reference O114979.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.