He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, was made the subject of an indefinite restraining order, placed on the sex offenders register, and was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Rebecca Watkiss of the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “I welcome today’s sentence, providing a clear message to all victims of paedophiles such as Baucage that whilst their crimes may be historic, we will treat all reports of abuse with the utmost seriousness, and whenever possible, we will bring perpetrators before the Court and hold them to account.

“I would like to highlight the courage of the victim in this case, and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of this or any other similar abuse, to contact us via our live webchat or on 101.”

The appointments are the first major announcement by the party since voters went to the polls on May 7, with the Conservatives now preparing to challenge the new Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government from the opposition benches.

Among the appointments are several prominent North Wales politicians, including Janet Finch-Saunders, who takes on the role of Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, and former Conwy Council leader Sam Rowlands, who has been named Policy Director and Shadow Minister for Education, Families and the Constitution.

Announcing the team, Mr Millar said the group would bring together “a wealth of talent and experience” and would work to hold the Welsh Government to account on behalf of communities across Wales.

He said the Conservatives would aim to be a “constructive opposition party” in the Senedd and would work with others where possible to deliver positive change. He also pledged that the party would continue campaigning for lower taxes, reduced public spending and improvements to public services.

The new shadow cabinet sees Paul Davies appointed as Deputy Leader, Shadow Trefnydd and Chief Whip, alongside responsibility for the Welsh language, culture, tourism and sport.

Natasha Asghar becomes Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, while former Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies takes on the farming and environment brief.

Meanwhile, Peter Fox has been appointed Shadow Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities.

Mr Millar will continue as leader of the Welsh Conservatives while also serving as Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans.

The scheme, known locally as Period Proud Conwy, provides free period products across a wide range of public buildings including schools, libraries, leisure centres, family centres, community venues and council offices such as Coed Pella. The products are available freely, discreetly and without any questions, helping remove both financial and social barriers.

The initiative is part of a wider drive across Wales to end period poverty — a term used to describe the inability to afford or access suitable menstrual products such as pads and tampons, as well as wider challenges including stigma, lack of education and inadequate facilities.

Period poverty can affect people in several ways. For some, it is purely financial, where the ongoing cost of sanitary products competes with essentials like food or heating. For others, it is about access, particularly in rural or low-income communities where products may not be readily available. It can also be about stigma, where embarrassment or lack of open conversation prevents people from seeking help or support.

Research in the UK has shown the scale of the issue, with surveys suggesting around 1 in 10 girls have struggled to afford period products at some point, while others have missed school days or limited participation in sport and social activities as a result. Welsh Government-backed research and third-sector organisations have repeatedly highlighted that period poverty can contribute to reduced attendance, lower confidence and wider inequalities in education and wellbeing.

Across Wales, the Welsh Government has invested in making period products freely available in schools and public buildings as part of its wider equality and anti-poverty strategy. The aim is to normalise access, reduce stigma and ensure that no one is held back because of their menstrual health.

Conwy County Borough Council says its approach goes beyond simply providing products. The council is also encouraging open conversations about menstruation, challenging myths and supporting young people and adults to feel confident discussing menstrual health.

Councillor Hannah Fleet, Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult Services and Human Resources, said the scheme is about dignity and inclusion, stressing that no one should miss out on education, work or daily activities due to lack of access to basic hygiene products. She added that the council’s work is also focused on breaking down stigma and ensuring people feel supported in managing their menstrual health.

The programme aligns with the wider strategy set out by the Welsh Government under its Period Proud Wales agenda, which aims to create a fairer and more equal society by tackling both the practical and social impacts of period poverty.

For Conwy, the message is clear: menstrual health is a basic part of wellbeing, and support should be available quietly, consistently and without judgement — so that no one is excluded from education, work or community life because of their period.

The North West Wales Community Cohesion Fund 2026/27 will offer grants of between £500 and £5,000 to voluntary and community organisations across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey, supporting projects that help build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Administered by the Community Cohesion Team for North West Wales, the fund is designed to support events, activities and initiatives that bring people together, challenge negative perceptions and promote shared understanding between different groups.

At its heart, “community cohesion” is about making sure people from all backgrounds feel they belong where they live. That can mean neighbours getting to know each other, different cultural groups celebrating together, or local organisations creating safe spaces where people can talk, learn and connect without fear or misunderstanding.

It also focuses on reducing tensions before they grow, by encouraging positive conversations and shared experiences that replace stereotypes with real human connection.

The fund is open to third sector organisations and community groups, with applications encouraged for projects that promote inclusion, celebrate diversity and share positive messages about local communities. Activities could include cultural events, workshops, youth activities, community meals, awareness campaigns or storytelling projects.

Organisations applying must be properly constituted and have a bank account in their name, or work with a host organisation to receive funding on their behalf. Only one application per group is allowed, although collaboration between organisations is strongly encouraged.

Projects supported by the scheme are expected to align with key Welsh Government policies, including the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, the Socio-economic Duty, Nation of Sanctuary, Cymraeg 2050, the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan and the LGBTQ+ Action Plan.

The focus, officials say, is not just on short-term events, but on long-term relationship building — helping communities feel safer, more connected and more confident in their shared identity.

A spokesperson for the Community Cohesion Team said the aim is to support “practical, grassroots work that makes a real difference in everyday life”, adding that even small grants can have a big impact when communities are given the tools to connect.

Applications and information packs are available until 27 May 2026, with completed forms to be submitted by email to the Community Cohesion Team. Further details are available by contacting communitycohesion@anglesey.gov.wales.

In simple terms, community cohesion is about people seeing each other not as strangers or labels, but as neighbours — sharing the same streets, schools, workplaces and futures, and finding ways to live well together.

Five major housing associations – Adra, Cartrefi Conwy, ClwydAlyn, Grŵp Cynefin and North Wales Housing – have teamed up to create a community-focused exhibition stand at the week-long festival, which takes place from May 23-29 at the Anglesey Agricultural Showground.

The organisations, which collectively own and manage more than 25,000 homes across north and mid Wales, say the partnership highlights the important role housing associations play in supporting communities beyond simply providing homes.

Visitors to the stand will be able to enjoy a range of free family-friendly activities throughout the festival, including face-painting, interactive music workshops with Band Bwced, crafts and the chance to tackle the interactive “Cyclone” challenge to win prizes.

The stand will also offer rehearsal space for performers taking part in competitions during the festival.

Alongside the entertainment, the housing associations will use the event to promote career opportunities within the housing sector, showcasing roles ranging from construction and plumbing to communications, finance, housing management and community support.

Clare Budden, chief executive of ClwydAlyn, said the organisations were looking forward to creating “a place for our communities to meet, celebrate and enjoy all that this year’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd has to offer”.

She added: “We’re looking forward to meeting visitors, competitors, and residents from across Wales, and sharing some very special moments with our communities.

“And of course, anyone who would like to explore the idea of working within one of our organisations is welcome to chat to the team about the enormous variety of career options that the housing sector has to offer.”

Mel Evans, chief executive of Grŵp Cynefin, said the event was an ideal platform to inspire young people.

He said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming hundreds of young people to our unit and showing that the housing sector offers careers which make a difference, in their own communities – whether it’s in plumbing, construction, finance or marketing.”

Helena Kirk, chief executive of North Wales Housing, said the partnership demonstrated the strength of collaboration across the region.

She said: “The Eisteddfod yr Urdd is a wonderful celebration of Welsh culture, community and the next generation, and we’re proud to be part of this year’s Eisteddfod in Ynys Môn.”

Iwan Trefor Jones, chief executive of Adra, said the festival also offered an opportunity to highlight the growing need for affordable housing across Wales.

He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the positive impact we have on our communities, to highlight the importance of delivering more affordable homes for local people, and to underline our shared commitment to meeting the growing demand for affordable housing.”

The annual Eisteddfod yr Urdd is recognised as Europe’s largest touring youth festival and is expected to attract more than 90,000 visitors this year, with over 15,000 competitors taking part in competitions ranging from singing and dancing to theatre, art and design.

Housing associations across Wales currently provide homes to around 10 per cent of the Welsh population and manage more than 154,000 social housing properties nationwide, while directly supporting around 23,000 jobs across the sector.

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has opened a nationwide public vote inviting people to choose their favourite butterfly, from familiar garden visitors like the Red Admiral and Orange-tip to rarer species found in parts of Wales.

The campaign comes as experts warn many butterfly populations are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change and changing land use, with around 80 per cent of UK butterfly species declining over the past 50 years.

North Wales remains one of the best places in Britain to spot some of the country’s rarer and more unusual butterflies, particularly in limestone grasslands, coastal habitats and mountain landscapes.

Among the most sought-after species in Wales is the rare High Brown Fritillary, one of Britain’s most endangered butterflies, which has strongholds in parts of North and Mid Wales. The striking Pearl-bordered Fritillary can also still be found in suitable Welsh woodland habitats.

Meanwhile, the marshy grasslands and dunes of North Wales are home to species including the Small Heath, Common Blue and the silver-spotted Grayling butterfly, which is often seen along the coast during summer months.

Conservationists have also recorded increasing sightings in Wales of species expanding northwards due to warmer temperatures, including the Comma and Holly Blue butterflies.

The vote, which runs until 7 June, aims to encourage more people to reconnect with nature and spend time outdoors watching butterflies.

Julie Williams, Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation, said butterflies hold a “very special place in our hearts” and are often one of people’s earliest memories of wildlife.

She said: “From the colourful to the quirky, the common to the elusive, all butterflies are beautiful and we look forward to officially crowning Britain’s favourite.”

The UK is home to 60 butterfly species, including two regular migrant visitors — the Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow — which can occasionally be seen arriving in Wales in large numbers during favourable weather conditions.

North Wales has seen several remarkable butterfly sightings in recent years, including occasional appearances of rare migrant species carried across from continental Europe by warm winds.

Wildlife experts say butterflies are important indicators of the health of the environment because they react quickly to changes in climate and habitat quality.

Butterfly Conservation President David Attenborough has previously said: “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

The charity says even spending 15 minutes watching butterflies can help people feel more connected to nature and more motivated to protect wildlife.

People can vote for their favourite butterfly and take part in a butterfly personality quiz via https://britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk/

Members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) say occupational therapists should play a bigger role in helping people stay independent, avoid hospital admissions and receive support earlier, before problems escalate.

The call comes as NHS waiting lists, staff shortages and increasing demand continue to place strain on services across Wales. RCOT members argue that investing in earlier support in local communities could help reduce pressure on hospitals and social care services while improving people’s quality of life.

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, helping them carry out everyday activities that are important to them. This can include supporting premature babies and families in neonatal units, helping children take part in school life, assisting adults to stay in or return to work, and enabling older people to live safely and independently at home.

The profession focuses on practical support, adaptations and rehabilitation to help people manage illness, disability or recovery from injury.

In the letter, members warn that Wales “cannot afford to wait for crises to happen” and say more investment is needed in prevention and early intervention.

The therapists are calling for five key changes, including embedding occupational therapists into every community healthcare cluster, improving workforce planning, increasing long-term funding for innovation and ensuring occupational therapists have greater access to senior leadership roles.

RCOT says evidence shows occupational therapy can help prevent avoidable hospital admissions, shorten recovery times and support people with long-term conditions to remain active and employed. The organisation argues that this not only benefits individuals, but can also reduce costs across health and social care services and support the Welsh economy.

Paul Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales at RCOT, said: “Wales can’t afford to keep waiting for a crisis to happen. Occupational therapists are already preventing hospital admissions, easing pressure on stretched services and supporting people to do the occupations they want and need to do.

“But they need to be positioned to provide the right support at the right time to make maximum impact. This is a clear call to invest in prevention, unlock our potential and put community-based care at the heart of a healthier Wales.”

The proposals form part of RCOT’s wider vision for health and social care in Wales and come as political parties prepare for a new term in government following the Senedd election.

The organisation is now urging ministers, local authorities, health boards and healthcare leaders to work more closely with occupational therapists to deliver earlier support and more care closer to home.

Further information about the campaign can be found on RCOT Wales.

Public Health Wales said it is working closely with the Welsh Government, the UK Health Security Agency, health boards and local authorities as part of the ongoing response to the outbreak.

Officials confirmed the Welsh residents involved are all currently well and showing no symptoms of hantavirus. Those affected are undergoing daily assessments and regular precautionary testing during a 45-day self-isolation period.

A spokesperson said robust arrangements are in place should anyone begin displaying symptoms, ensuring they receive urgent medical attention if needed.

Health officials also moved to reassure the public that hantavirus is not spread through ordinary day-to-day contact such as attending work, school, shops or public places.

In the rare cases where person-to-person transmission has occurred, authorities said it involved “close and prolonged contact” with someone infected.

There are currently no confirmed cases of hantavirus in Wales.

A spokesperson added: “Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.”

The latest update from the UKHSA revealed six individuals who had been isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral since Sunday evening are now returning home or to alternative accommodation to continue their isolation.

Public health and clinical teams assessed each case individually before allowing the move following further negative PCR test results.

Authorities said tailored support packages are being put in place to help people safely isolate at home, while onward travel arrangements are being managed with “appropriate public health protections” throughout the journey.

All contacts remaining at Arrowe Park are asymptomatic and all tests for hantavirus have so far returned negative.

Specialist teams across the UK will continue daily monitoring and support throughout the isolation period, while additional contacts may also be relocated in coming days to continue isolating in more suitable settings.

Meanwhile, medical teams monitoring contacts on Ascension Island and St Helena confirmed one individual, a medic on Ascension Island, had developed symptoms. Samples taken to the UK on May 8 tested negative for hantavirus, with further investigations underway to determine whether the illness is unrelated.

Professor Robin May praised those involved in the response effort.

He said: “Our teams are working closely with FCDO colleagues and leaders on Ascension Island to repatriate British nationals who are currently isolating on the island.

“Once again I must commend those who have cooperated so selflessly with the isolation arrangements at Arrowe Park, and we are pleased that they will now begin to return home to isolate after a very unsettling period for all involved.

“Together this has been an incredible demonstration of international efforts to contain the outbreak.”

Officials are continuing contact tracing, testing and monitoring operations, while urging the public and media to respect the privacy of passengers, contacts and their families during what has been described as a distressing time for everyone involved.

Responding to the announcement of the new government at Senedd Cymru, the Welsh Conservative leader said voters had demanded “a change in direction” rather than simply “a change in personnel”.

Mr Millar said: “People in Wales did not vote for a change in personnel, they voted for a change in direction.

“We need new ideas and new governance, not the same old politics of the past 27 years.

“This new Plaid Cymru Government has a monumental task ahead of it, and for the sake of the people of Wales, I want it to succeed where Labour fell short.

“My magnificent seven Welsh Conservative team will do everything in our power to hold them to account and ensure they deliver for Wales.”

The Conservatives returned seven Members of the Senedd following this month’s historic election, which saw Plaid Cymru become the largest party in Wales for the first time since devolution began in 1999.

The seven-strong Conservative group includes senior figures such as Andrew RT Davies, former Monmouth MP Peter Fox, North Wales politicians Sam Rowlands and Janet Finch-Saunders, alongside Mr Millar.

Despite suffering heavy losses compared with previous Senedd terms, the Conservatives remain one of the main opposition groups in Cardiff Bay and are expected to focus heavily on issues including NHS waiting times, transport, farming, rural affairs and opposition to further constitutional change.

Mr Millar himself remains one of the most recognisable Conservative figures in North Wales politics. Born in Towyn and now living in Kinmel Bay, he was first elected to the Senedd in 2007 representing the former Clwyd West constituency. 

Before the recent boundary changes and expansion of the Senedd, Clwyd West had long been regarded as one of the most politically competitive constituencies in Wales and regularly changed hands between Labour and the Conservatives before Mr Millar established a strong majority there over several elections.

Under the new expanded Senedd system introduced for the 2026 election, the old constituency boundaries were replaced by larger electoral areas, with Mr Millar now representing the new Clwyd seat.

During his time in the Senedd, Mr Millar has held several senior Conservative roles including Chief Whip, Shadow Health Minister and Shadow Minister for North Wales and the Constitution, before becoming leader of the Welsh Conservatives in late 2024.

The political landscape in Wales has shifted dramatically following the 2026 election, with Plaid Cymru leading the government, Reform UK emerging as a major opposition force and Labour suffering its worst result in the history of devolution.

At the council’s AGM today, members gave permission for an independent consultation process to begin following new powers introduced by the Welsh Government.

The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill was approved by Senedd Cymru in July 2025 and later received Royal Assent, giving local authorities the option of introducing a tourism tax on overnight accommodation.

Conwy Council says no final decision has yet been made and that the consultation will allow businesses, residents, visitors and tourism stakeholders to share their views before councillors decide later this year whether to proceed.

Cllr Sharon Doleman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Communications, said: “I welcome the opportunity to consult on the Visitor Levy with stakeholders, businesses, residents and tourists. The responses of those engaging with the consultation will provide the elected members with invaluable feedback enabling members to make an informed democratic decision on this important matter.

“We know there’s considerable interest in the Visitor Levy in Conwy, which is why we’ve engaged an independent company to carry out a consultation to gauge local opinion.”

The prospect of a levy has sparked strong debate across North Wales’ tourism industry, with supporters arguing it could generate much-needed funding for local infrastructure, while critics fear it may discourage visitors at a time when many businesses are already under financial pressure.

Some tourism operators believe a small overnight charge could help councils invest in services heavily used during peak holiday periods, including public toilets, beach cleaning, car parks, footpaths and environmental protection.

Supporters also point to examples in European tourist destinations where visitor taxes are already common and say the money could help maintain the quality of destinations that attract millions of visitors each year.

Others within the industry, however, are concerned the levy could make North Wales less competitive compared with English holiday destinations where no equivalent charge exists.

Owners of smaller hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation have warned that even a modest additional cost could influence family budgets, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Some businesses also fear additional administration and paperwork linked to collecting and managing the levy.

Tourism remains one of the biggest economic drivers in North Wales, supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, retail and attractions in areas including Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed and Conwy.

The consultation results are expected to be presented to councillors later this year before a final decision is made on whether the levy should be introduced in Conwy County.

The station’s inshore lifeboat was tasked at 6.06pm with volunteer crew members quickly assembling to prepare for launch in strong north westerly winds and rough seas.

Due to the challenging conditions, crews also prepared the station’s all-weather lifeboat to launch if needed, providing additional safety cover for the inshore crew operating closer to shore.

With four crew members onboard, the inshore lifeboat launched and headed towards Porth Eirias. Shortly after leaving the station, HM Coastguard informed the crew that one casualty had managed to reach safety, although a second person was still believed to be in difficulty.

The lifeboat continued around the Little Orme towards Rhos-on-Sea in what the RNLI described as a “strong and confused sea”, while HM Coastguard teams from Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team also attended the incident from land.

As the crew neared the scene, they received confirmation that the second casualty had also managed to get safely ashore.

With no further assistance required, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station. Because of the difficult sea conditions, the decision was made to recover the vessel at the old lifeboat slipway in the shelter of the Great Orme.

The incident has once again highlighted the vital role RNLI stations play across North Wales’ coastline.

From Holyhead Lifeboat Station to teams based in Llandudno and Rhyl, the RNLI volunteers regularly respond to emergencies involving swimmers, paddleboarders, walkers cut off by tides and people in difficulty at sea.

North Wales’ coastline attracts millions of visitors every year, but rapidly changing weather, strong tides and exposed coastal areas can quickly turn dangerous. Lifeboat crews are often called out in severe weather conditions when most people are heading indoors, with volunteers leaving work and family life at all hours to respond.

The RNLI relies heavily on donations and volunteers to keep its lifesaving service operating, with stations across the region regarded as a crucial part of North Wales’ coastal safety network.

Barry Brennand, 78, says he’s delighted to be back behind the counter at the Whistlestop café on a small industrial estate near Rhuddlan where the much-loved rocker was a regular customer.

The eatery that’s famous for its generously-portioned all-day breakfasts was also a favourite of Colwyn Bay’s The Vivienne, winner of the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, who sadly also died last year.

Other celebrity fans include TV weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth, Coronation Street actor Bruce Jones and former Wales football manager Mike England.

After being given just a 20 per cent survival chance when he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, great-grandfather Barry is now cancer-free and launching a fundraiser for Cancer Research – with long-time supplier Harlech Foodservice playing a prominent role in the campaign.

The Cricieth-based family firm has supported him for 37 years, first supplying The Palace Café in Rhyl before continuing their partnership when he opened the Whistlestop at HTM Business Park in 1993.

Both Barry and Harlech Foodservice business development manager Brittany Loughborough are urging the cafe’s customers to donate to a Cancer Research collection bucket at the venue.

Harlech is also providing Barry with what he needs for a fundraising party and barbecue at his home to celebrate his successful cancer fight.

According to Barry, his fundraising campaign was also a way of honouring the  bravery of the Alarm frontman who sadly passed away last year after battling blood cancer 30 years.

Barry said: “I feel very lucky to be here now to be honest, when they were telling me there was a 20 per cent survival rate.

“They operated in November and I have had 240 hours of chemotherapy and I am now all-clear.

“My message to anybody is do not put it to one side, if you have a problem, go and get it sorted, don’t be macho - that doesn’t pay.”

Barry, from Towyn, was delighted to be back in his beloved cafe and seeing his regular customers and friends.

He also gave special praise to manageress Gill Wynne and the team of 16 part-time staff who kept the café going while he was battling cancer.

He said: “Gill is the best of the best, she has been with us for 20 years. I am lucky, I have got some of the best staff you will ever come across.

“It is a very special cafe and we have customers who come here now who have been coming here since we first opened.

“And I have been with Harlech Foodservice since forever. They look after us, they never muck us about and they give us the right prices.”

Brittany Loughborough was thrilled to see Barry healthy and well and back at the business.

She said: “I was a customer at the café before I started working with Harlech and the Whistlestop is such an iconic place. That is all down to Barry and his brilliant staff.

“Barry is so supportive to the local community and local businesses and it is wonderful to see him so fit and well.

“He is so positive and now he is giving back through his fundraising.”

A major part of the café’s success is its huge popularity within the biking community.

The café has its own motorcycle club, the Whistlestop MCC which started about 25 years ago when friends asked Barry if they and their fellow biking enthusiasts could meet there before ride-outs and the club now has 1,500 members on its books.

Barry said: “When it is sunny and warm you will probably have about 100 members turn up.

“I remember one year there was a £1 million worth of bikes parked up outside.

Barry first got to know Mike Peters well when the singer was recording the In The Poppy Fields album with The Alarm in 2004 at a studio at HTM Business Park.

The singer and his recording team came into the cafe regularly – and the café even name-checked on the back of the album.

Barry said: “Mike used to come in with his wife Jules and they’d have their dinners and he was just a lovely, lovely lad. They’d all come in, Mike, the technicians, the sound engineers. They were lovely, absolutely spot-on guys.

“We looked after them, if they needed coffees or teas or whatever we would take them down to the studio, or they would come up here when they needed a break.

“On the back of the album, Mike says he wishes to thank The Whistlestop, which was great.

“Mike and Jules would also pop in on a regular basis afterwards, years after they had done the album. All I can say is that he was my mate.

“I just think as an individual you can take a leaf out of Mike’s book, and it is also about how you react.

“Mike was just a lovely guy, people might not know, but he was massive in America, but he was always very humble."

Barry and his wife Dorothy have seven children, 26 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and he said the support from family and friends and the cafe’s customers during his cancer battle has been immense.

He said: “The response from the customers has been wonderful, I have had cuddles, kisses, prayers, everything.

“We’re  going to have a house party to thank everyone that has helped me and I’ll be taking the Cancer Research bucket to that for donations.

“And I can’t thank the hospital staff enough - they were amazing.”

The Whistlestop Cafe is one of many long-standing customers for Harlech Foodservice which employs 300 staff and supplies pubs, restaurants, schools and hospitals across Wales, the North West, Shropshire and the Midlands.

The business has enjoyed rapid expansion in recent years and has added new hubs in Carmarthen, Caerphilly and Telford to its long-established centres in Cricieth and Chester.

The new First Minister announced his ministerial team on Tuesday, saying the Cabinet would bring “new energy, new ideas and a new direction” to the leadership of the country following Plaid Cymru’s historic rise to power.

In a statement, Mr ap Iorwerth said: “United and filled with talent and experience ready to serve, my government will believe in the art of the possible, working as one team every day to improve the lives of the people of Wales.

“Our principles will be our guide as we seek practical solutions to the issues faced by communities the length and breadth of our country – and we will pursue our missions with the energy and urgency they demand.

“Our pledge is simple – to repay people’s trust in us as quickly as we can, bringing the nation together. A new era of leadership starts today.”

Among the most high-profile appointments is Sioned Williams, who becomes Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality.

She said she was “humbled” to take on the role and pledged immediate action on childcare and child poverty.

Ms Williams said: “This Government for all is committed to turning promise into immediate action for the people of Wales, with a clear focus on tackling the challenges facing every community.

“I am determined to take action on our priorities from day one, particularly rolling out our childcare offer and urgently tackling child poverty so that every child has the security and opportunity they deserve.”

The Cabinet combines experienced Senedd figures with senior Plaid Cymru politicians who will now oversee major public services and policy areas including health, education, transport, housing and the economy.

Former Plaid leader Adam Price takes on the role of Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, while Elin Jones becomes Cabinet Minister for Finance.

North Wales Senedd member Llyr Gruffydd has been appointed Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, a role likely to place agriculture, environmental policy and rural communities high on the government agenda.

The full Cabinet is:

First Minister – Rhun ap Iorwerth
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality – Sioned Williams
Cabinet Minister for Finance – Elin Jones
Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport – Heledd Fychan
Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution – Dafydd Trystan Davies
Cabinet Minister for Health and Care – Mabon ap Gwynfor
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy – Adam Price
Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language – Anna Brychan
Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability – Llyr Gruffydd
Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning – Siân Gwenllian

Deputy ministers include Nerys Evans, Delyth Jewell, Mark Hooper and Cefin Campbell.

Veteran politician Elfyn Llwyd has been named Counsel General Designate.

The appointments mark a significant political moment for Wales, with Plaid Cymru now leading the Welsh Government and setting out its priorities for the years ahead.

Key issues expected to dominate the new administration include NHS waiting times, transport infrastructure, housing pressures, the cost of living, rural affairs and the future of the Welsh language.

The new government has also signalled a strong focus on social justice, childcare provision and tackling poverty as it begins its first days in office.

Sixty-five supporters took part in the Anglesey Abseil 2026 on Saturday, May 9, descending the 89ft-high Marquis of Anglesey’s Column in Llanfairpwll.

Participants travelled from across the UK, including Yorkshire, to take on the challenge, with sponsorship from local businesses and sunshine helping to make the day a huge success.

The money raised will help Tŷ Gobaith continue providing care and respite for local children with life-threatening conditions and support for their families.

Nikki Sullivan, fundraiser and event organiser, praised everyone involved.

She said: “Wow, what a day.

“We are incredibly proud of our brave Anglesey abseilers and so grateful for the money they have raised.

“Along with the sponsors Hogan, Mona Lifting, Dragon Security, Môn Fire Management and Howdens, we want to thank Go Vertical for being such professionals and helping the event go so smoothly.

“Every penny raised will go directly to help us provide care and respite to local families and children living with a life-threatening condition.

“We can’t thank the venue enough either for their generosity and delicious food.

“You’re all amazing.”

The Marquis of Anglesey’s Column, which overlooks the Menai Strait, has become a popular location for charity challenges because of its dramatic height and spectacular views across North Wales.

Tŷ Gobaith, based near Conwy, is part of Hope House Children’s Hospices and supports children and young people with life-threatening conditions from across North and Mid Wales, offering respite care, nursing support and bereavement services for families.

From the first laugh to sitting down together to watch a film, foster carers say it is often the small everyday moments that show a child is beginning to feel safe, trusted and supported after trauma.

The stories have been highlighted by Foster Wales Conwy during Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s biggest annual awareness campaign for fostering, which runs throughout May under the theme “This is Fostering”.

Children who have experienced trauma can often develop protective behaviours, including anxiety, emotional withdrawal, intense emotional reactions or difficulty following rules.

A national survey commissioned by Foster Wales found around 80 per cent of foster carers had supported children displaying trauma-related behaviours. Despite the challenges, half of carers said they saw a meaningful breakthrough within the first six months.

For many carers, those breakthroughs are not dramatic moments, but signs that a child is beginning to trust again.

Steve and Karen, who have fostered with Foster Wales Conwy for more than 15 years, say caring for teenagers has become one of the most rewarding parts of their journey.

Their approach centres on helping young people gain independence and confidence by gradually introducing responsibilities and life skills.

“These may seem like small lessons, but they help build confidence and support young people in imagining a future for themselves,” they said.

Steve said the most rewarding part is “when you see them now” and witness what young people have gone on to achieve.

Karen added: “We’re proud of all of them because they’ve all achieved something.”

Young people they have cared for have gone on to attend university, qualify in professions including nursing and dental care, find employment, learn to drive and build independent lives.

Many also continue to stay in touch long after leaving care, returning for Christmas dinners, barbecues and regular visits.

Stephanie Robbins, Head of Children, Family and Safeguarding Services at Conwy County Borough Council, said foster carers play a vital role in helping children rebuild trust and confidence.

She said: “At Foster Wales Conwy, we’re proud of our foster carers and the steady, life-changing support they provide to young people, often at times when it’s needed most.

“As Steve and Karen highlighted, it’s the small, everyday moments - sharing a meal, talking about school, choosing a film - that help young people feel safe, build trust and start to believe in their own future.

“Having a trusted, consistent adult can make all the difference in helping children lower their guard and take steps forward after trauma.”

The survey also found that after gaining experience, support and professional guidance, 93 per cent of foster carers said they now feel confident responding to trauma-related behaviour.

Across Wales, councils continue to appeal for more foster carers amid growing demand for placements, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and children with additional needs.

People interested in finding out more about fostering in Conwy can visit Foster Wales Conwy for information about the application process, training and support available.