The Welsh Government has commissioned the Wales Centre for Public Policy to examine the formula used to distribute money to local authorities, with the aim of making sure funding better reflects the real cost of providing services in different parts of the country.

The review will look specifically at factors including rurality, sparsity, deprivation and demographic change – issues which have particular relevance to parts of North Wales.

For Conwy, the announcement comes after the council highlighted what it described as significant financial pressures and criticised the level of its recent settlement.

For 2026/27, Conwy received a 4.1% increase in its Welsh Government funding, compared with an average increase of 4.5% across Wales. Conwy Council said this was the joint lowest increase in Wales, alongside four other councils.

The council says its financial pressures are being driven by rising costs and demand for services. It entered the 2026/27 budget process with a funding gap of £20.4 million before additional funding was applied.

Although additional Welsh Government funding eventually increased Conwy's allocation by around £10.9 million, the council says the 4.1% settlement remained the lowest percentage uplift of any authority in Wales.

The concern is particularly significant because of the very different geography and demographics of Conwy.

More than 85% of Conwy's population lives within the relatively narrow coastal belt, including the main population centres of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay, while rural communities are widely dispersed across the rest of the county. The council describes rural Conwy as predominantly agricultural, with limited alternative employment and a dispersed population.

That creates a difficult combination for a local authority.

It has relatively concentrated demand for services along the North Wales coast, alongside the additional costs of providing services across large rural areas and smaller communities.

There is also a substantial visitor economy.

Conwy County Council says tourism generated an estimated £1.1 billion in economic impact in 2022, with visitor spending supporting not just tourism businesses but wider local supply chains and services.

The council has argued that visitor numbers and tourism bring major economic benefits, but the concentration of visitors also places additional demands on infrastructure and local services – an issue reflected in its consideration of a visitor levy.

Conwy estimates that a visitor levy could potentially generate between £1.9 million and £2.1 million a year, with any money raised required to be used for purposes including managing the effects of visitor activity and improving infrastructure and services.

The wider financial pressures are not unique to Conwy.

Across North Wales, councils are dealing with increasing demand for social care and other services, rising employment costs and inflation, while also having to maintain roads, waste services, education, housing and other essential provision across communities with very different characteristics.

The Welsh Government's review is therefore significant because it will examine whether the existing funding formula properly captures those differences.

The first stage is concentrating on Education and Personal Social Services, which together account for almost three-quarters of the funding distribution. Evidence will be updated to take account of factors such as sparsity, rurality, deprivation and demographic change.

The Wales Centre for Public Policy will also examine how funding distribution works elsewhere in the UK and internationally.

Welsh Government says the work is being carried out with local government and that the Finance Sub-Group, which includes council leaders and the Welsh Local Government Association, has supported the direction of the review.

However, councils will not see any immediate change.

Because of the scale and complexity of the work, the earliest any changes could be introduced would be the 2028/29 local government settlement.

For Conwy and other North Wales authorities, that means the review is unlikely to solve the immediate budget pressures they face.

But it could provide an opportunity to examine a question that has become increasingly important along the North Wales coast and in rural communities: does the current formula properly reflect the cost of delivering services to a population spread between busy coastal towns, ageing communities and large, sparsely populated rural areas?

The Welsh Government says the purpose of the review is to make sure funding is based on evidence and keeps pace with changing communities.

For councils such as Conwy, the hope will be that the new evidence leads to a funding system that more accurately reflects the pressures they say they are facing on the ground.

More than 17,000 young people came forward for their first dose during the first four weeks of the time-limited vaccination rollout.

The vaccine is being offered free to young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, as well as people under 25 who are starting higher education or residential further education for the first time this autumn.

The MenB vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart, and health officials are stressing that both are needed to provide the best protection.

The programme is particularly focused on young people heading into university or residential education because they are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Those starting university for the first time are estimated to be seven times more likely to develop meningococcal disease, with the increased risk linked to close mixing and shared accommodation and facilities.

Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, Nerys Evans, has urged eligible young people not to forget their follow-up appointment.

She said it was important for those who had received their first vaccination to return for the “vital second dose”.

Young people who have not yet taken up the offer are also being encouraged to come forward, with time still available to receive a first dose.

The second vaccination does not necessarily have to be given in the same location as the first. Students who move away for university can receive their second dose in their university town if required.

Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said meningococcal B disease was rare but could develop rapidly and cause serious illness.

He said thousands of young people had already taken up the vaccination offer, but stressed that eligible people should complete both doses, ideally before starting their course.

Eligible 17 and 18-year-olds should receive a letter from their local health board.

Those under 25 starting higher education or residential further education for the first time who have not received a letter are being advised to contact their health board directly or check the Public Health Wales website for information about eligibility and appointments.

With thousands of young people preparing to leave home for university or further education in the coming weeks, health officials are urging them to make vaccination part of their preparations.

Natural Resources Wales, working with the Welsh Government, has launched a 12-week consultation on an updated Groundwater Protection Code.

The guidance is particularly relevant to the many farming communities across North Wales, where sheep farming is an important part of the rural economy and landscape.

Sheep dipping is used to protect livestock from parasites, but NRW says incorrect use, storage or disposal of sheep dip can pollute rivers, streams and groundwater.

The proposed changes are intended to reflect current environmental requirements and farming practices while helping farmers reduce the risk of pollution.

One of the key changes would remove references to obtaining new environmental permits for disposing of waste sheep dip to land, as NRW says new permits are no longer issued in Wales. Existing permit holders will be able to continue operating under their permits for the time being.

The revised guidance would also include updated advice on where sheep dipping should and should not take place, including recommendations about dipping when rain is forecast.

Farmers would also be advised not to repair damaged or leaking dip baths, but instead to replace them or use a mobile dipping unit.

NRW says the guidance was last updated in 2017, and the consultation is an opportunity to ensure it reflects the realities of modern farming while providing appropriate protection for the environment.

Dave Jones, NRW's Senior Specialist Advisor for Groundwater, said the disposal of sheep dip to land had taken place for more than 30 years, but evidence of its cumulative impact could be seen in rivers and streams.

He said the organisation wanted to hear directly from the farming industry to ensure the updated guidance was practical.

For North Wales farmers, the consultation provides an opportunity to raise concerns about how the proposed changes could affect day-to-day livestock farming and sheep dipping operations.

The consultation runs until 16 October 2026, with the final guidance expected to be published in early 2027.

NRW is asking farmers, land managers and anyone with an interest in sheep dipping to comment on the proposals, including whether the measures are practical and whether any parts of the guidance need clarification.

Stage Three of the race takes place on Friday, August 21, starting in Mold at 11.30am before making its way through North Wales and finishing at the summit of the Great Orme.

The 104.7-kilometre stage is expected to reach the Great Orme at around 2.25pm, with the final 2.5 kilometres providing a tough uphill finish averaging 6.1%, with sections approaching a 15% gradient.

The race will travel through the Clwydian Range before heading towards the coast, passing Conwy Castle and taking on Marine Drive before the final climb to the summit.

If you're planning to watch the action on the Great Orme, there are several important travel restrictions to be aware of.

The Great Orme Summit Car Park will close to vehicles from 8pm tonight, Thursday August 20, in preparation for the event.

Marine Drive will then close to all vehicles from 8am tomorrow morning.

The Great Orme Tramway will operate as normal until approximately 1pm, shortly before the arrival of the race.

Services will then be temporarily suspended while the cyclists pass through, with the tramway expected to resume around two hours later, depending on race conditions.

Once the road restrictions are in place, visitors will still be able to reach the summit on foot, while the tramway will provide access while services are operating.

People are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys and plan ahead to avoid disruption.

The stage represents the first time the Tour of Britain Women has started in Mold, before crossing the North Wales landscape and finishing at one of the region's most recognisable landmarks.

For spectators, the Great Orme finish is expected to provide one of the most dramatic moments of the 2026 race, with the riders tackling the steep final climb before the finish at the summit.

Anyone travelling in and around Llandudno tomorrow is advised to allow extra time and check their route before setting off.

The latest round of the Welsh Government's SMART Flexible Innovation Support Capital Equipment Fund is now open for applications.

Grants of between £50,000 and £250,000 are available to help organisations improve productivity and efficiency, support long-term growth and develop more resource-efficient ways of working.

The funding is open to a wide range of organisations operating in Wales, including businesses, universities, research organisations, further education colleges, third sector organisations and NHS Health Boards.

Projects involving the reuse of materials and more efficient use of resources, supporting the development of a circular economy, are also being encouraged.

Since 2023, the SMART Flexible Innovation Support programme has supported 171 organisations across Wales, with more than £20.1 million in grant funding awarded.

The Welsh Government says the funding has helped organisations develop new products and services, improve productivity, explore new markets and introduce new ways of working.

It has also supported collaboration between businesses, universities and public sector organisations, with the aim of turning innovation into practical economic benefits for Wales.

The latest capital equipment fund can support the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment where organisations can demonstrate that the investment will improve productivity and deliver wider benefits for Wales.

The Cabinet Secretary for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy said Wales had no shortage of ideas, talent and ambition, and that innovation was vital to improving productivity and closing the productivity gap with the rest of the UK.

The minister said investment in modern equipment, automation and advanced technologies could help organisations strengthen their competitiveness and create long-term economic value.

The importance of the funding has been highlighted by REECO Automation Ltd, which received a £100,000 SMART Innovation Support R&D Grant in 2025.

During a visit to the company, the Cabinet Secretary saw advanced robotics and automation being developed for industrial applications.

REECO Managing Director Rosie Davies said the funding had supported the development of new products and manufacturing innovations, including robotic palletising and humanoid robotics solutions.

She said the grant had helped the company accelerate innovation, develop new products and enter new markets.

The Welsh Government is now encouraging eligible organisations across the country to consider whether investment in new equipment or technology could help unlock their own plans for innovation and growth.

Applications for the latest funding round must be submitted by 11.59pm on September 25, 2026.

Funding decisions are expected from the week beginning October 26.

Full details of the scheme and application process are available through Business Wales.

Steven Moorcroft, of Parker Close, Sefton, appeared at Mold Crown Court on August 19 after previously admitting being concerned in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs.

The court heard that over a two-month period, Moorcroft supplied drugs to a 16-year-old boy, who travelled from Conwy to Merseyside to collect them before selling them on.

On August 5, 2025, officers executed a warrant at the teenager's address, where they seized drugs, cash and mobile phones.

Examination of the phones uncovered messages and other evidence linking Moorcroft and the teenager to the supply of large wholesale quantities of drugs.

Moorcroft was subsequently arrested on April 1, 2026.

He was sentenced at Mold Crown Court to nine years and nine months in prison.

The case highlights the role of organised drug supply networks in moving drugs between North Wales and Merseyside, and the involvement of young people in the distribution of illegal substances.

Police have continued to warn about the serious consequences of drug supply and the exploitation of young people by those involved in organised criminal activity.

The Welsh Government has acknowledged that NHS performance is not where it should be, with Health and Care Minister Mabon ap Gwynfor describing the latest figures as “stark” and saying people in Wales are still waiting too long for emergency care.

The figures show that more than 104,000 attendances were recorded at emergency departments across Wales in July, an average of 3,357 every day – the highest daily figure on record.

For North Wales, the figures will be closely watched by patients and families who have experienced long waits at the region's emergency departments.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board operates emergency departments at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Glan Clwyd Hospital and Wrexham Maelor Hospital, serving a population of more than 700,000 across a large and predominantly rural area.

The health board has itself acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing urgent and emergency care in North Wales.

Its latest annual review says its emergency departments received more than 179,000 attendances during 2024/25, equivalent to almost 500 each day, while nearly 40,000 patients waited for longer than four hours.

Betsi Cadwaladr says delayed discharges are one of the factors contributing to pressure, with patients who are medically fit to leave sometimes remaining in hospital because care packages, care home places or other arrangements have not yet been secured. This can leave beds occupied and contribute to delays in admitting patients from emergency departments.

The situation at Glan Clwyd has attracted particular scrutiny this year.

Following an unannounced inspection in May, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales designated the hospital's Emergency Department as a Service Requiring Significant Improvement, citing concerns including overcrowding, patient safety, leadership and the experience of people waiting for care.

Betsi Cadwaladr accepted the findings and said immediate action was being taken to reduce overcrowding, strengthen patient safety and improve leadership and oversight. The health board also said it was developing plans to strengthen staffing across emergency departments in North Wales.

The problems extend beyond emergency departments.

Betsi Cadwaladr says demand for emergency services, diagnostics and outpatient care remained exceptionally high during 2025/26, although there has been progress in reducing some of the longest planned-care waits.

The number of patients waiting more than two years for treatment fell by 63% during the year, while the health board reported that no patients were waiting longer than four years by the end of March.

The latest Welsh Government figures come as Mabon ap Gwynfor says tackling the waiting-list backlog is his “absolute number one priority.”

The minister has already announced an additional £145 million for the NHS and says he will set out a plan in the coming weeks explaining how the money will be used to tackle waiting lists and waiting times.

He says the approach will represent a fundamental change rather than “more of the same”, with the aim of getting people seen more quickly, reducing waiting lists and keeping them down.

The minister also paid tribute to NHS and social care staff working under considerable pressure, saying reducing that pressure and giving staff the support and systems they need would be an important part of the new plan.

For North Wales, that commitment will be closely scrutinised.

Betsi Cadwaladr remains under the highest level of Welsh Government intervention, although the health board has made progress in a number of areas. Its own 2026 annual report says further improvement is still required to provide consistent, high-quality services and improve timely access, patient experience and clinical outcomes.

There are also signs of targeted improvements. In July, Betsi Cadwaladr announced a new approach to oral surgery at Tŷ Nerys on the Glan Clwyd site, allowing selected procedures to be carried out outside the main hospital theatres and helping to reduce cancellations caused by pressure on acute services.

But the underlying challenge remains substantial.

North Wales has an older population than the Welsh average and includes large rural communities, while its health services also face additional seasonal pressures from the region's popularity with visitors. Betsi Cadwaladr warns that its emergency departments can become particularly busy at peak times.

For patients across Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Flintshire and Wrexham, the question will be whether the promised new investment and approach can translate into shorter waits and more reliable access to care.

Mabon ap Gwynfor says the goal is to create an NHS where people are seen and treated much more quickly than they are today.

For North Wales, where emergency care and waiting times have been a major concern for patients and communities, the coming months will provide a crucial test of whether that ambition can be delivered.

Colin's daughter, Rachel Cooper, shared the heartbreaking news with family, friends and those who had followed the search for her father.

In her statement, Rachel said Colin died yesterday after suffering severe hypothermia following the time he spent outside in the cold.

She said his body had been through too much and that, by the time he was found, his organs had already begun to shut down.

Rachel said her dad “fought as hard as he could right until the very end” and expressed her gratitude that she and her family had been able to be with him from the moment he was found until his death, ensuring he was not alone.

She also paid tribute to Wayne, who she said was with them during Colin's final moments.

Rachel described the past week as a “living nightmare” for the family, adding that it had been particularly difficult knowing what her father had been through.

The search for Colin began after he went missing from the Llandudno Hospital area on Thursday, August 13.

North Wales Police launched an extensive search operation involving local officers, the force's Drone Unit and Mountain Rescue.

Officers carried out searches around the hospital and surrounding areas, while local officers conducted house-to-house enquiries.

Residents around the hospital estate were also asked to check gardens, sheds, garages and other outbuildings in case Colin had sought shelter.

North Wales Police later confirmed that Colin had been found and thanked everyone who had assisted with the search.

Rachel's statement has now confirmed the tragic outcome.

She said the family did not yet know the arrangements for Colin's funeral, but would let people know once details had been confirmed.

She ended her message with a personal farewell to her dad:

“Rest peacefully, Dad. I love you, and I’ll miss you more than words can ever say.”

Bayside Radio sends its deepest condolences to Rachel, her family and all of Colin Toseland's friends and loved ones.

The proportion of GCSE entries receiving the top A* and A grades has risen slightly this year, increasing by 0.1 percentage points to 19.6%.

Meanwhile, 62.3% of entries achieved grades at C or above.

However, the overall pass rate across Wales has fallen slightly compared with last year.

The results come a year into a three-year rollout of new GCSE qualifications designed to reflect the changes introduced through the Curriculum for Wales.

A second wave of new GCSEs is due to be introduced in September, meaning the qualification reforms are continuing to be phased in.

Before today's results were released, exam officials had indicated that learners and schools could expect a broadly stable set of results as the new qualifications were introduced.

Wales' main examination board, WJEC, said it had done everything possible to ensure this year's results were fair and balanced for learners.

The changes to qualifications mean direct comparisons with previous years can be difficult, with different subjects and specifications being introduced at different stages.

The Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, congratulated learners receiving their results and said their grades should not define their future.

Speaking during a visit to Llanishen High School in Cardiff, she said there were many opportunities available to young people, whether they were moving into further education, apprenticeships or employment.

She also thanked teachers and education staff for the support they had provided to learners throughout their school years.

Across North Wales, councils have also been offering their congratulations to pupils, while recognising the work of families, teachers and school staff.

Conwy County Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Aaron Wynne, congratulated pupils on their achievements and praised the hard work, commitment and resilience they had shown.

He said whatever route young people choose next – including sixth form, college, apprenticeships or employment – he wished them every success as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

In Denbighshire, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, Cllr Diane King, also congratulated pupils receiving their results.

She said the grades would help shape young people's next steps in education and paid tribute to school staff for their dedication and commitment.

The results are particularly significant for pupils who have spent much of their secondary education experiencing changes to the Welsh curriculum and qualifications.

The new GCSEs are intended to support the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales, with greater emphasis on areas including skills, knowledge, literacy, numeracy and digital competence.

For pupils who are disappointed with their results, education and careers services are available to help them consider their options.

The Welsh Government says support is available through schools, Working Wales and Careers Wales, with routes into further education, training, apprenticeships and employment available.

For those celebrating, today's results mark the end of one stage of education and the beginning of another.

And while the national figures show only modest changes in the headline grades, for individual pupils the results represent years of work, preparation and perseverance.

Photo: Ysgol John Bright, Llandudno.

The legislation gives police, councils and other agencies additional tools to deal with behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress, while also strengthening the rights of victims who feel that their complaints have not been properly addressed.

The changes are particularly relevant to North Wales, where anti-social behaviour remains a stated priority for neighbourhood policing teams in several coastal communities.

In Conwy, North Wales Police currently lists ASB as a priority in areas including Llandudno, Conwy, Llandudno Junction, Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr, with officers carrying out patrols in hotspots and using available powers to disrupt and prevent offending.

Further along the coast, tackling ASB in Rhyl town centre is a specific priority for North Wales Police. Officers are working with partner agencies and youth justice, while a Public Space Protection Order is being used to tackle problems including street drinking. ASB and retail crime are also priorities in Prestatyn and Abergele, where police say increased patrols and partnership work are taking place.

Colwyn Bay has also had a new Public Space Protection Order in place since March this year. The three-year order was introduced by Conwy County Borough Council in partnership with North Wales Police and provides additional powers to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour in the designated area.

Under the new legislation, one of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Respect Order.

The new civil order is aimed at persistent adult offenders and can prohibit them from carrying out specified activities associated with their anti-social behaviour. Courts can also impose positive requirements designed to address the underlying causes of the behaviour.

Importantly, breaching a Respect Order becomes a criminal offence, meaning police can arrest someone suspected of breaching the order. The legislation allows orders to be sought by relevant authorities including police forces, local authorities and registered housing providers.

The Act also extends the maximum period for which dispersal directions can operate from 48 to 72 hours, subject to a review at 48 hours.

There are also changes affecting vehicles. The legislation strengthens the ability of police to deal with nuisance vehicles and other anti-social use of vehicles, including behaviour such as illegal off-road biking.

For victims, another important element is the strengthening of the ASB Case Review, formerly known as the Community Trigger.

The case review gives repeat victims an opportunity to ask partner agencies to examine what action has been taken when they believe their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

In the North Wales Police area, the existing threshold is three reported incidents within six months for an individual victim. Alternatively, five people in a local community who have separately experienced similar incidents can collectively request a review. Businesses, individuals and community groups can all be victims.

The Office of the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner says the review process already covers incidents reported to police and other relevant agencies, including the six North Wales councils and housing providers.

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, welcomed the new measures.

He said he knows from speaking to residents across North Wales that ASB can have a devastating effect on people's quality of life.

He highlighted problems including nuisance vehicles, persistent intimidation and vandalism, saying residents should be able to feel safe in their communities.

The legislation also introduces new requirements around the collection and sharing of ASB information, intended to give authorities a clearer picture of the scale and nature of the problem across England and Wales.

Government figures show that recorded police ASB incidents across England and Wales have fallen substantially over the longer term, but the Government says gaps remain in data collected by non-police agencies such as councils and social housing providers. The new legislation is intended to improve that picture.

For North Wales, the impact of the new powers will ultimately depend on how effectively police, councils, housing providers and other agencies use them locally.

But with ASB continuing to feature among neighbourhood policing priorities in coastal communities from Colwyn Bay and Llandudno to Rhyl, Prestatyn and Abergele, the changes could provide additional tools for dealing with the behaviour that residents say has the biggest impact on their quality of life.

The North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner is also expected to have a greater role in making sure victims understand the ASB Case Review process and know where they can turn if they believe their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

Natural Resources Wales is investigating the suspected bloom and says officers will take water samples to assess the situation.

As a precaution, people are being advised to avoid entering the water in areas where algae or scums are visible.

Dog owners are also being urged to keep their pets out of the water.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can sometimes produce toxins which may be harmful to people and animals. Not all blooms are toxic, but Natural Resources Wales says it is important to take precautions while investigations are continuing.

Partner organisations are also expected to install warning signs around Llyn Celyn to alert visitors to the potential risk.

People who believe they have spotted a blue-green algal bloom elsewhere can report it to Natural Resources Wales through its online reporting service or by calling its incident hotline on 03000 65 3000.

The advice will remain in place while samples from Llyn Celyn are assessed and the situation is investigated.

The September intake brings together professional qualifications, creative subjects and career-focused training designed to fit around work, family and other commitments.

Courses include Aesthetics, Dog Grooming, Printmaking, CAM/CNC Manufacturing, Conversational French, Conversational Spanish and GCSE Biology, alongside a wide range of other opportunities.

Among the newest additions is the NEBOSH National Certificate in Protecting Standard Duty Premises from Terrorism, introduced in response to the forthcoming Martyn's Law, which will place new legal responsibilities on publicly accessible venues and event organisers to strengthen security and preparedness.

Whether learners are looking to gain a recognised qualification, change career, develop specialist workplace skills or pursue a personal interest, the college offers flexible study options delivered by experienced tutors in industry-standard facilities across its campuses in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi.

Principal Sue Price said: “Our extensive range of part-time courses highlights the strong relationships we've built with both public and private sector employers.

“At Coleg Cambria, we work closely with industry partners to design academic programmes that are not only relevant but also practical, ensuring learners can upskill for career progression or gain the qualifications they need to explore new job opportunities.”

Jane Keys, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement, said demand for flexible learning continues to grow as more people look to develop new skills throughout their careers.

She added: “We've developed programmes alongside employers to ensure learners gain practical, up-to-date knowledge that has real value in the workplace, while also offering courses that allow people to explore new interests and develop personal skills.

“Whether you're looking to take the next step in your professional journey with a recognised qualification, or you simply want to try something new - perhaps a creative hobby or a personal interest - we are here to support you.”

Many eligible learners can benefit from support through the Welsh Government-backed Personal Learning Account (PLA), which can provide fully funded training in priority sectors, helping adults gain valuable qualifications without the cost of course fees, subject to eligibility.

Students are also supported throughout their studies by Coleg Cambria's dedicated Student Services teams, who offer advice on wellbeing, finance, careers, academic skills and additional learning support, ensuring learners have the guidance they need to succeed.

The college works with nationally recognised awarding organisations and industry partners including NEBOSH, IOSH, City & Guilds, Lantra, CIPD and the Welsh Government, delivering qualifications valued by employers across a wide range of industries.

For more information or to enrol on a part-time course starting this September, visit the Adults & Part Time section of the Coleg Cambria website, email studentservices@cambria.ac.uk or call 0300 30 30 007.

The warning covers all six North Wales counties and begins at 7pm on Wednesday, August 19, remaining in place until 10am on Thursday, August 20.

The Met Office says heavy showers will develop this evening before becoming more frequent and widespread overnight.

Some areas could see rainfall of 15 to 20mm in an hour, while as much as 30 to 50mm could fall within six hours in some locations.

The rainfall could result in localised flooding, while some of the showers are expected to be thundery, bringing the additional risks of lightning and hail.

The showers are expected to ease from the northwest during Thursday morning.

The Met Office says the weather could cause disruption across the region, with driving conditions affected by spray, standing water and hail, potentially leading to longer journey times.

Some homes and businesses could experience flooding, while lightning strikes could cause damage to buildings and structures.

There could also be delays to train services and short-term interruptions to power and other services.

People living in areas at risk of flash flooding are being advised to consider preparing a flood plan and emergency flood kit.

The Met Office is also advising motorists to check road conditions before travelling and passengers to check bus and train services, particularly if journeys can be rearranged.

People are also being encouraged to prepare for the possibility of power cuts by making sure they have torches and batteries, a mobile phone power bank and other essential items available.

Anyone caught outside during a thunderstorm should seek shelter in a safe enclosed building or vehicle.

The Met Office advises against sheltering under or near trees or other structures which could be struck by lightning.

People on elevated ground should move to lower ground if they hear thunder.

The warning comes after a period of unsettled and changeable weather across North Wales, with conditions expected to remain unsettled overnight before improving from the northwest on Thursday morning.

Public Health Wales and Diabetes UK Cymru have launched two new Point of Diagnosis (POD) packs – one for patients and one for healthcare professionals – alongside a redesigned NHS Wales digital diabetes resource hub.

The organisations say the resources are the first nationally consistent materials in Wales specifically designed to support people at the point they are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

The launch comes as the number of people living with diabetes in Wales continues to rise.

Latest figures show 230,371 people in Wales are now living with diabetes, an increase of 7,685 in a year. A further 328,000 people are estimated to be living with prediabetes or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

That means around one in five adults in Wales is now affected by diabetes or at risk of developing the condition.

Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition which, if poorly managed, can increase the risk of serious complications including sight loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputation and cardiovascular disease.

However, with the right support and information, many complications can be prevented and, for some people, remission is possible.

Research carried out through Public Health Wales' Tackling Diabetes Together Programme found that the point of diagnosis can be particularly important in determining how people manage their condition in the longer term.

Many people reported feeling uncertain, overwhelmed or ashamed after being diagnosed, with 67% saying they had experienced feelings of shame or guilt.

The new resources have therefore been designed to provide clear and practical information while avoiding language that could contribute to stigma.

The patient pack, called Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes, includes information on food and lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, the checks and care people can expect, and trusted sources of further support.

The healthcare professional toolkit provides practical support for clinicians delivering a diagnosis, including communication templates, checklists and guidance on the importance of language.

More than 80 people living with Type 2 diabetes and 32 healthcare professionals from across Wales helped co-design the packs.

Public Health Wales says this was intended to ensure the resources reflect what patients and professionals actually need.

David Taylor, Transformation Director at the Tackling Diabetes Together Programme at Public Health Wales, said the support people received when diagnosed had previously varied depending on where they lived and who they saw.

He said the new packs were designed around feedback from patients and clinicians and would help people gain the knowledge and confidence to manage their diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.

For Tina, who has lived with Type 2 diabetes for around 28 years, the message to anyone newly diagnosed is to start taking action immediately.

She said: “Don’t panic. You can live the life of a normal person because I think that’s what a lot of people are afraid of.

“They think they’ve got to turn into this other person. They can’t do this, can’t do that. You can do everything. You can eat everything in moderation and obviously watch your sugar intake.”

She urged people not to put off making changes until later in life, saying the sooner they start, the more they could benefit their health.

Diabetes UK Cymru has endorsed the packs as the national resource for newly diagnosed patients in Wales.

Rachel Burr, Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said a diagnosis could leave people feeling worried, isolated or unsure where to turn.

She said the new packs would provide consistent information and connect people with trusted support, helping people take positive steps towards living well with diabetes.

The redesigned NHS Wales digital diabetes resource hub has also been developed following feedback from patients and healthcare professionals.

It features clearer language, improved navigation and a more accessible mobile experience, bringing information for people with diabetes, families, carers and healthcare professionals together in one place.

Maria Cole, National Dietetic Clinical Lead for Diabetes and Prevention, said every diagnosis conversation was an opportunity to help someone understand their condition and take positive action.

The new resources are now being embedded across NHS Wales and are available in both English and Welsh.

The organisations behind the initiative say the packs and digital hub form an important part of efforts to improve diabetes outcomes in Wales, reduce variation in care and prevent serious complications including amputations.

People looking for the patient resource can search online for “Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes Wales”, while the digital resource hub can be found by searching “Diabetes resources Wales.”

Police issued an update to say Colin has been located following an extensive search operation involving officers, specialist resources and members of the local community.

The search had been ongoing for several days, with officers from North Wales Police supported by the force's Drone Unit and colleagues from Mountain Rescue.

Local officers had also been carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area surrounding Llandudno Hospital.

Police had appealed to residents living around the hospital estate to check their gardens, sheds, garages and other outbuildings in case Colin had sought shelter or entered a property.

Chief Inspector Wesley Williams had thanked the community for assisting officers during the search.

Following confirmation that Colin has been found, North Wales Police has thanked everyone who assisted with the operation and shared information during the appeal.

The force has not provided further details about where Colin was found or his condition.

The news will come as a relief to Colin's family and those involved in the search.