All posts by Lisa Baker

News

Shopping scheme’s £25k boost for town centre businesses

A POPULAR shopping scheme has given town centre businesses a £25,000 boost.

That’s how many Totally Mold vouchers have been sold since the initiative was launched just 18 months ago.

The idea was rolled-out by the town council during the pandemic, in response to the challenges facing retailers in the UK.

Now organisers are urging people to use the £5 tokens in shops and stores locally, as many people have held onto them and not done so yet.

“To have sold almost £25,000 worth of Totally Mold vouchers is fantastic news as all of the money stays here in our local economy, unlike national high street vouchers,” said Joanna Douglass, Business and Regeneration Officer at Mold Town Council.

“This and other upcoming projects have given the economy a well-timed cash injection, encouraging people to shop locally and really helping our community.

“The feedback we received was fantastic, it was so positive, and as I’ve said previously, if every adult in Mold spent just £5 per week in our shops rather than online or elsewhere that would equate to £2million annually for our economy – a massive difference.”

She added: “Thanks to the many people who has supported this scheme, everyone came together and it’s had a major impact on traders and business owners here.”

Jane Evans, Events and Community Engagement Officer at Mold Town Council, echoed those words and said: “We are urging everyone not to forget to spend your Totally Mold Vouchers, they can be used in one or more our fantastic range of participating shops so be sure to check our website www.totallymold.org.uk for the full list or call 01352 758532.

“They are no longer available to buy but they can still be spent and are valid until August 31.

“And if anyone who still has unspent or expired ‘white’ vouchers please get in touch as we will happily exchange them for the current ‘blue’ version.”

For further information, email: totallymold@moldtowncouncil.org.uk.

News

College’s 100 activities over five sites and five days for Mental Health Awareness Week

COLEG CAMBRIA has organised up to 100 activities across five days and five sites to support the mental health of students and staff.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, sessions have focused on positivity and resilience, coping with exam stress – notably post-pandemic following periods of self-isolation in lockdown – social media and mental health, food and mood life choices, and mindfulness

Interactive workshops have taken place at Llysfasi, Northop, Deeside, and Yale and Bersham Road in Wrexham, and are being recorded so anyone who misses them can catch up in their own time.

The programme also includes collaboration with Donna Welsh, coordinator of Active Cambria, suicide prevention charity Papyrus UK, Flintshire Sorted drug and alcohol support group, and Bloom, a UK-wide organisation promoting mental health resilience.

Led by Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Nadia Jones and Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator Leah Mount, the agenda covered a wide range of subjects in different areas from crafts, beauty treatments, a silent disco and visits from an ice cream van, to mindful bingo, cyber awareness, equality and diversity, bird displays, a giant painting by numbers and song writing.

“It’s been a really positive week and we have received a lot of feedback from staff and learners who have benefited from the sessions and really enjoyed them,” said Nadia.

“Last year’s events were all virtual, so it’s been fantastic to bring people together safely in person to promote mental health awareness and provide guidance and advice for those who need it, especially given the challenges of the pandemic.”

Physical exercise and wellbeing classes have also been taking place across Cambria’s north east Wales sites, in sports and activities such as yoga, table tennis, Pilates, volleyball and badminton.

Leah added: “There are so many ways we can try to tackle mental health issues and provide solutions, so to have such a high level of engagement from so many different areas of the college and our local community has been fantastic.

“We have tried to focus on the things students have struggled with over the last two years, one of them being remote learning and the cancellation of exams. With exams now taking place again this is an anxious time for many of them, so we are here to help, this week and all-year round.

“Thanks to everyone who has helped us to bring this to life and we hope learners and staff find the remainder of the programme helpful and interesting.”

For more information on other activities coming up this week and how to catch up with anything you’ve missed, visit www.cambria.ac.uk/web/health-and-wellbeing.

Visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk for more on the Mental Health Foundation and Mental Health Awareness Week.

 

News

Whirlwind six months for apprentice engineer ahead of Miss Wales final

A WHIRLWIND six months will culminate in an appearance at the Miss Wales finals for a talented apprentice engineer.

Since being shortlisted for the competition – to be held in Newport over three days from this Friday – Jess Downes has visited schools, held charity events, and taken on numerous challenges.

All this while juggling her academic studies at Coleg Cambria and placement at Toyota’s Deeside plant.

The 23 year-old is now putting the final touches to preparations and looks forward to flying the flag for Conwy county in an attempt to bring the title up north.

“We have not stopped since the shortlist was announced, it has been a very hectic time for me, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, I’ve loved every second,” said Jess, from Towyn.

“I am nervous about the competition but really excited and whatever the outcome am so proud of everything myself and the other finalists have achieved, especially training to become an ambassador for Women’s Aid.”

She added: “Being a part of Miss Wales has given me so many opportunities, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of my family, my boyfriend Angus, Coleg Cambria and everyone at Toyota.

“I want to keep breaking the mould, inspiring other young women into engineering and the other STEM subjects and proving that no matter what life throws at you, you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

As a teenager, Jess battled with mental health issues and anorexia but has fought back and feels more focused and happier than ever before.

The pandemic hit her hard and losing a cabin crew role with a leading international airline forced her to rethink her future; a love of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) and ICT led Jess down the apprenticeship route – in a traditionally male-dominated sector – but she has never looked back and says her colleagues have been “incredibly supportive”.

“My classmates especially have been behind me all the way and even took part in a cycleathon at the college to help me raise funds for the nominated charity, Beauty with a Purpose,” said Jess.

“So far, I’ve raised more than £1500 with physical challenges and auctions, events, raffles, cake sales and other activities, and there are so many people I owe a debt of gratitude.

“I must thank the college for their sponsorship and help, especially my tutors, the team at Toyota and supporters and partners including Dragon Drilling and Karen Lesley Bridal Emporium.

“Finally, a massive thank you to family friend Sue Smith, and Jodie James, a teacher at my former primary school Ysgol Maes Owen, for all your kindness and support in past months.

“Whatever happens this weekend, it has been the experience of a lifetime and has given me the confidence to keep pushing myself to be the best I can possibly be.

“That’s the biggest message out of all of this for me, and for any young girls who want to knock down barriers to success – you can do it!”

To sponsor Jess, visit the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jessica-downes12. Vote for Jess by texting WELSH JESSICA to 64343.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News

Talented teen pursues animal care dream inspired by death of beloved Dad

THE tragic death of her beloved Dad inspired Amber-Leigh Walker to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a veterinary surgeon.

The 18 year-old was planning to study A Levels when her father Myles passed away aged just 42, leaving Amber-Leigh unsure what the future would bring.

Battling anxiety and mental health issues, with the support of mum Kim she decided to apply to study for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, near Ruthin.

Taking a bus from her Old Colwyn home every day – having enrolled during the pandemic and after months learning online – she is on course to achieve a Distinction* and will attend the new Harper and Keele Veterinary School from September.

Thanking lecturer Alex Morgan and staff at Llysfasi for their help, the former Ysgol Bryn Elian pupil is excited to begin the next chapter of her story.

“I’ve been through a lot these past few years, but I was never going to give up, I can’t imagine not going on to be a vet and making my Dad proud,” said Amber-Leigh.

“He was always telling me to work hard and reach my goals, I had his voice in my head spurring me on and am so happy that I’m on my way to making those dreams come true.

“It was a devastating time for us, my plans changed, and I decided to go to Cambria which has turned out to be a great decision because I absolutely loved the course and they helped me through everything.

“As a pathway from school to higher education I would recommend it to anyone because of the experience you get handling animals and the independence that prepares you for university life.

“After everything that’s happened, I never thought I would get here but I have and am so looking forward to the future.”

Growing up in a household full of pets gave Amber-Leigh a head-start in caring for creatures of all shapes and sizes, from dogs and cats to guinea pigs, hamsters, and rodents.

“I knew from a very young age I wanted to work with animals,” she said.

“When I was little and started to understand they needed to go to the ‘doctors’ I became determined that’s what I would do one day, I wanted to help them if they were sick or injured.

“To now be in the position of completing my studies at Coleg Cambria – especially given the challenges of the Coronavirus and remote learning– and preparing to begin a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery is still a huge shock, but I’m absolutely delighted.

“Thanks again to all of the team at Llysfasi and especially my amazing mum and family – I could not have done it without you.”

Alex congratulated Amber-Leigh on her university place and said her positivity and determination are an example to others.

“She has worked so hard and is such an inspiration, we wish her every success and the best of luck at university,” she added.

“We have no doubt she will go on to have a successful career as a veterinary surgeon.”

For more on the wide range of land-based courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk.

News

New programme to support bosses managing a remote workforce in pandemic

AN INNOVATIVE new course will support company owners managing a remote or ‘hybrid’ workforce due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Level 4 and Level 5 programmes will be delivered by Northop Business School – part of Coleg Cambria – and are aimed at directors, senior leaders and HR employees who faced the unprecedented challenge of switching operations online during lockdown.

Pre-Covid, less than 10% of the UK workforce worked remotely; now, up to a third of companies have introduced hybrid systems for all staff, meaning many will spend two to three days at home in a spare room or makeshift office.

Jane Keys, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at the Business School, says organisations have coped well with the unparalleled challenges of the last two years but many still struggle with overseeing individuals and teams online.

“There is no substitute for managing people face to face, but when the pandemic hit the UK that quickly changed, there was very little time to prepare for it and no precedent for what to do next,” she said.

“For some there are still obstacles to communicating virtually and trying to implement strategies, deal with everyday HR issues and measure productivity – it’s been very testing for them.

“That’s why, given demand and the feedback we’ve received from multiple industries, we decided to create a bespoke programme that will cover many of these themes, which can be tailored to different sectors.”

As well as the technical and logistical issues raised by home and hybrid working, the psychological aspect of self-isolation and motivation will also be discussed.

Other themes covered include data protection, employment law, roles and responsibilities, organisational procedures and policies, advantages and disadvantages for the individual and employer, and health and safety.

“A remote workforce needs a different style of management but to this point many people have been living it day to day and not implementing long-term policies into their business models and strategies,” said Jane.

“Future-proofing is pivotal – we have seen how important it is to have a resilient organisation – and hybrid and home working is not going to go away any time soon so embracing it and ensuring your organisation has the right legislation and training in place will form a big part of the learning.

“It’s also vital employees feel valued and trusted, given the autonomy involved.”

She added: “We are here to support people who have any questions and look forward to delivering the programme and see how it evolves over the years ahead to reflect modern working methods.”

The Level 4 course will run until August 3 (11 sessions).

The Level 5 course will run from May 3 to November 1 (11 sessions).

For more information, email employers@cambria.ac.uk or call 0300 30 30 006.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News

Kind lecturers transform property so North Wales family can rehome Ukrainian refugees

UKRAINIAN refugees will be rehomed with a kind-hearted Wrexham family thanks to the generous support of Coleg Cambria.

Staff from the college’s Bersham Road site stepped in to help Sarah Stickles reconfigure her property to add an extra room in preparation for the arrival of evacuees from the war-torn country.

The Stickles’ are waiting to be ‘matched’ with either one individual or a parent and child, having applied to the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme.

After sitting down with her husband and four children, Sarah – a nurse at Nightingale House Hospice – appealed for help on social media for a builder to quote for the work.

Among the first to respond was Amy Rowlands, a lecturer in Foundation Construction at Cambria, who committed to building the wall and supplying all materials for free.

She was joined on-site by colleagues Chad Davies and Mike Ward, and 21 year-old student Jacob Jones, who completed the project within a matter of hours and even helped with other tasks around the garden.

“They were absolutely amazing, I can’t thank them enough,” said Sarah.

“I was gobsmacked when Amy and the team offered to do everything for free, including the building and plastering.

“They’ve done a brilliant job in quick time, so we can now have carpet laid and decorate the room.

“We don’t know yet whether it will be one person or a parent and small child coming here to live with us, as the space won’t allow for more than that, but we are committed to doing everything we can.

“We have changed things around so the children have lost some of their living space, and we’ve had to move my daughter’s piano to make room, but they are not at all worried about that, they just want to be able to do something after watching the horrific atrocities on the news over past weeks.

“Thanks again to Coleg Cambria, we can now get the house ready for their arrival and help them to get used to life in this country after what must have been the most traumatic time.”

Amy was delighted to be able to support Sarah and wished them the best of luck for the coming months.

“What they are doing is so selfless, it’s such a wonderful thing and we had to put ourselves forward to do the work,” she added.

“We are so pleased that it will make a difference and bring solace to someone who really needs it at this heart-wrenching time for the people of Ukraine.”

For more news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk.

News

Pilot project vision to unify optometry services for future of eyecare in Wales

A UNIFIED approach to optometry will be the future of eye-care in Wales.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has been selected to pilot a new cluster programme focused on further strengthening primary eye care services nationally.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the sector, former Southeast Wales Regional Optical Committee Chair Ian Jones has been selected to lead the project, supported by fellow optometrist Danielle Mealing.

Funded by the Strategic Programme for Primary Care (SPPC), they will help realise the Welsh Government’s vision for a wholly clinical approach to eye care, providing more support closer to home and reducing unnecessary referrals to GPs and hospital emergency departments.

“For years we have worked closely with GPs and hospitals but there have been challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic has played a big part in accelerating the need for a more joined-up approach,” said Ian, a partner optometrist in a small independent group in the Rhondda and Vale of Glamorgan.

“We are already in discussions with colleagues and looking to move forward together with more signposting, collaboration, and a cohesive plan that benefits everybody, especially patients.

“As a profession, we are perfectly placed to do this and believe this is going to be the future for eye-care because we know there is a need – and an appetite – for optometry to integrate with other health professions and a great deal of Welsh Government support for this in partnership with local health boards and community groups.”

Ian added: “The pandemic has allowed us to be more innovative, widen our horizons and led to a natural amount of cross referral.

“An example of this was in putting independent prescribers within specialist practices, which made a tremendous saving. That system has been preserved, which demonstrates optometry can work within a cluster model.”

Ian said they will now look to harness interest and build momentum and engagement, garnering best practice and feedback from the optometry arena on next steps.

“We have recently introduced new technology which has been particularly valuable in remote and emergency situations in hard-to-reach areas, but the bigger picture is centred on widening the service overall,” he added.

“The clusters we have in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board area are a good mix of independent and corporate practices, engagement has been positive and because we know a lot of them personally there is a foundation to build on, with the aim of eventually rolling this approach out across Wales.

“The nature of our profession, especially in this area, is to rise up to the challenge, which reflects well on our industry and is the best way forward for the people under our care.

“Crucially, for me it’s about giving back, striving to try and improve things and recognising patients are the priority. We will work closely together for everybody’s benefit – that will be at the forefront of our thinking during this pilot scheme.”

Sali Davis, Chief Executive of Optometry Wales, welcomed Ian and Danielle to their ‘proof of concept’ roles and said they could provide the template for the way in which practices operate in the advent of contract reform.

“We will likely see mandated formations of optometric practices to form their own professional collaboratives and then feed into the wider primary care cluster in their area which will allow all practices to be involved in local pathways that are properly funded,” she added.

The pilot will be monitored and evaluated to harness lessons learned and will be reported on in 12 months’ time.

As part of the Welsh Government’s Help Us Help You campaign, NHS Wales is encouraging people to get to know the services available to them.

The way you access NHS services has changed but we are still here for you. Help Us Help You by getting to know the different ways you can access the NHS so you can get the right help at the right time by checking online using NHS 111 Wales. Every change you make will help us help you.

Visit www.cwmtafmorgannwg.wales for more news and information from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

For more information on Optometry Wales, visit the website: www.optometrywales.org.uk.

Please use the hashtags #HelpuNiHelpuChi and #HelpUsHelpYou to support the Welsh Government’s Help Us, Help You campaign.

News

Industrial supplier unveils post-pandemic growth plans at Skills Olympics

A PROMINENT industrial supplier unveiled plans for post-pandemic growth at a popular Skills Olympics.

Organised by GE Tools in partnership with Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, more than 60 students competed in myriad disciplines including Vehicle Body Repair (VBR), Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Services and Repair, and Carpentry.

The event was a huge success and welcomed leading names in the trade, engineering, construction, automotive, employment and training sectors for community activities and demonstrations; RWE Renewables, Read Construction, North Wales Police, Creating Enterprise, Makita, Job Centre Plus, Draper, Globus, Rockfall, Stahlwille, Gedore, the Armed Forces, Woody’s Lodge and the CITB were among those in attendance.

Celebrating 34 years in business, Deeside and Rhyl-based GE Tools had a strong start to 2022, welcoming three new members of staff ahead of further recruitment this summer.

One of the largest independent distributors of tools, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), hygiene products and personalised workwear in the region, they plan to continue supporting events that inspire the next generation of trades and thanked everyone for their contribution to the day.

Managing Director Chris Owen said: “The learners were fantastic and showed a great level of skill and ability.

“The feedback was very positive, it was great to have so many businesses and organisations from different industries, demonstrating the career opportunities out there for the students.

“We thank them for their support and the college for its commitment to the next generation of workers in this arena. The talent on show gives us confidence that the future of the trade sector is in safe hands.”

He added: “GE Tools is all about giving back, to our customers, partners, and the community, so we will continue to help organise events like this, providing a platform for young men and women to shine in their chosen fields.

“As a business we have taken on three new staff and will look to recruit another four in the next year at Deeside and Rhyl, which demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality employment opportunities in North Wales.”

“We’re also delighted to announce GE Tools is now an accredited Living Wage Employer, which means every member of our team will earn a real Living Wage from day one.”

The Skills Olympics were hosted by Coleg Llandrillo’s Cefndy Road campus, which includes the multi-million pound Centre for Automotive Technology and a dedicated sixth form hub.

Salah Berdouk, Assistant Principal for Computing and Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, congratulated the medallists and those taking part on the day.

“Our learners rose to the challenge and gave their very best to put into practice everything they have learnt this year,” he said.

“This time, not only Engineering and Construction took part but other areas of the campus including students in Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care and Public Services.

“The learners were so pleased and felt empowered they can achieve anything they want if they work at it. The generous prizes from partners like GE Tools and Howdens made all the difference.”

Salah added: “This was the perfect example of industry doing everything it can to inspire young people from Rhyl and Denbighshire.

“The event was made even more beneficial to the community as so many companies and organisations were there, and local school pupils – well done, everyone.”

For more information on GE Tools, visit www.getools.co.uk or contact sales@getools.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 01244 836968 and follow them on social media at @getools.

NOTES:

Visit www.gllm.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

More information on the Living Wage can be found by visiting www.livingwage.wales.

News

Leading law practice unveils post-pandemic growth plans

AN ACCLAIMED law firm unveiled plans for post-pandemic growth after taking on new staff and celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Mackenzie Jones Solicitors has been a mainstay on St Asaph Business Park since 2000, rising from three to 24 employees and gaining prominence for delivering high quality personal and commercial legal services while holding prestigious accreditations including Lexcel, CQS, SIA and the Legal 500.

The firm, which also has offices in Chester and Menai Bridge, will extend its footprint later this year having secured more national clients in multiple sectors, including healthcare, tourism, hospitality, and property.

Founded by director Richard Jones, they have also experienced demand for wills and probate support, divorce, clinical negligence and catastrophic injury cases, and conveyancing.

With Andrew Foley-Jones and Anna Mills Morgan – the company’s first ever trainee – joining him at the helm, Richard – who hails from Rhyl – believes they are well placed to build on their long-standing reputation.

“Like many organisations, we have faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, but we believe we have managed to navigate them successfully and are in a strong position moving forward,” he said.

“We had already made significant investment in cloud-based software and new technology, so staff working from home and dealing with cases and clients virtually was a smooth process and allowed us to continue operating at a high level.

“As a result, we plan to open a further office in North Wales later this year and are recruiting new bilingual administrative staff to our St Asaph headquarters.

“Coronavirus is the biggest crisis this sector has faced in the three decades I’ve been a solicitor, and certainly the time we have been here, but I’m so proud of how our team dealt with it – it has given us a platform to grow further.”

Andrew, who was raised in Prestatyn, echoed those words and said the firm’s ability to pivot and adapt to what was uncharted territory will make them even more efficient in the future.

“We have clients across North Wales but also in many different parts of England and Wales, so taking many of our meetings and conferences online has made us extremely efficient,” he added.

“Of course, we would always rather meet people face-to-face but in terms of sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint and being able to deal with a case or legal issue at the touch of a button, the move towards hybrid working conditions has created a fresh and more focused approach to the law.”

Anna, originally from Hope, Flintshire, says the business is focused on “giving back” to the community in 2022 via fundraising activities and the continued development of their talented workforce.

Mackenzie Jones also recently secured more than £559,000 of estimated future income for charity members of the Free Wills Network.

“Promoting internally and supporting trainees on their legal journey is important to us, but it’s also vital for the future of our industry,” she said.

“I think the pandemic has allowed us to look at the bigger picture, to reflect on what kind of business we want to be and how we can best serve current and prospective clients, given the increase in interest and enquiries we have seen across all areas.”

“We are known as a bold, forward-thinking law practice which is why we are attracting more and more clients UK-wide on the commercial side, and why we have been able to strengthen our roots here in Wales.

“One thing is for sure; the coming months are going to be busier than ever – these are exciting times for Mackenzie Jones Solicitors.”

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466. Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Welsh student success at national agriculture awards

THE dedication and drive of Animal Management students was rewarded at a national agriculture awards ceremony.

Coleg Cambria Llysfasi learners Emma Roberts and Caitlin Mann were among the finalists at this year’s Lantra Cymru Awards.

Emma, 22, from Llangollen, received the College Lifelong Learner of the Year Award.

Nineteen year-old Caitlin, also from Llangollen, was Highly Commended in the College Young Learner of the Year category.

Both former pupils of Ysgol Dinas Bran, they were delighted to be part of the event – held at The Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells – and thanked Level 3 Animal Management tutor Alex Morgan for nominating them.

Emma, who plans to study Agriculture with Animal Science at university from September, has her heart set on becoming a teacher.

She said: “My mum and grandmother both grew up on dairy farms but I was unsure what career I wanted to do until spending some time on a farm doing work experience.

“I loved it and from that point knew I wanted to work in agriculture, particularly education.

“I look forward to seeing what the future brings and was really happy and surprised to win this award, it’s given me a huge confidence boost as I come to the end of my time at Cambria, which has been fantastic.”

Caitlin, who works at Llangollen Wharf and on a dairy farm, will return to Llysfasi next year to begin a Level 3 course in Agriculture.

She added: “I’ve never been nominated for an award before so that was lovely, and it was a great night.

“It has been a challenging time as over the last two years a lot of lessons were held online and we weren’t working, but luckily things are getting back to normal now and the college have been very supportive.

“I’m looking forward to coming back next year and beginning a new qualification, with my long-term aim to work in the dairy sector. The guidance and help I’ve had from the college is a big reason I’ve decided to return, and the fantastic lecturers we have here.”

Alex paid tribute to Emma and Caitlin for their diligence and dedication, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Both learners were nominated for the same principal reasons, they are very hard-working, dedicated and show a genuine interest in the industry,” she said.

“It’s been a very difficult couple of years, so it was a great privilege to have had an opportunity to nominate them and celebrate their fantastic achievements. Congratulations again to you both, your success is so well deserved.”

Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, added: “Each one of this year’s very worthy Lantra Cymru Awards winners and runners-up is, through their commitment to lifelong learning, making a valuable contribution to the modernisation and professionalism of the agriculture industry in Wales.

“Your collective efforts are helping our industry safeguard the future of family farms and rural communities for future generations. I want to congratulate all this year’s nominees and in particular, our very worthy winners.

“I wish you all well as you make your mark on agriculture in Wales and beyond – the future of our industry is in very safe hands.”

For more on the Lantra Cymru Awards, visit www.lantra.co.uk

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria.