HEARING FEAR: Ammanford star Owain Wyn Evans warns “I was missing conversations”

The Ammanford-born broadcaster and drummer says he first noticed something was wrong when he started missing parts of conversations — after years performing in loud environments.

“It was a shock,” he admitted. “I realised I was turning the volume up more and missing things people were saying.”

Now the 42-year-old is fronting a campaign with Specsavers — urging people not to ignore the warning signs.

The new research paints a worrying picture.

A staggering 45% of adults in Wales say their hearing has changed in recent years — yet more than a quarter haven’t taken any action and don’t plan to.

Even more concerning, over a third say they’ve never taken steps to protect their hearing at all.

For Owain, the issue goes beyond health — it’s about identity.

“Sound is such a huge part of who we are in Wales,” he said. “From the countryside to the sea — those sounds connect us to home.”

And the data backs him up.

• 72% say a Welsh accent makes Wales feel like home
• 60% say it’s the sound of a choir
• 73% say singing at rugby and football matches brings people together

But those sounds could be at risk.

More than a third of people report ringing ears or muffled hearing after gigs — a key warning sign of damage.

Experts say hearing loss often happens gradually, meaning people delay getting help — sometimes for years.

Owain is now urging people to act early before it’s too late.

“Protecting our hearing means protecting those connections,” he said.

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AMMANFORD: Town named among Wales’ top spots for Mother’s Day celebrations

A study of Google search habits has revealed that residents in the two towns are among the most likely to be hunting for the perfect gift or celebration.

Ammanford ranked second in the whole of Wales, with a staggering 704 searches for every 1,000 people.

Carmarthen followed closely in third place, recording nearly 700 searches per 1,000 residents.

The research, conducted by Geraldo’s, analysed over 42 million searches across the UK to see which areas celebrate the day the most.

It estimated that around 60% of the UK public took part in Mother’s Day last year, spending a combined £1.4 billion on gifts and treats.

In Llanelli, more than half of the population — 510 per 1,000 people — were found to be searching for ways to mark the occasion.

Port Talbot also showed strong results, with 488 searches per 1,000 residents.

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, said: “Family runs through the core of our business.”

She added: “We know how important days like Mother’s Day are to millions of others up and down the country.”

The data suggests that despite the rising cost of living, recognizing the “care, advice, guidance and love” of mothers remains a top priority for locals.

Ms Dawson noted that for those missing their mothers, the day can be difficult, but remains an important time for “recognising the memories you have.”

The study found that Wales as a whole saw nearly 1.6 million Mother’s Day searches, averaging around one search for every two people.

The findings highlight the deep-rooted family values held across Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot.

The data was compiled by comparing search volumes against local population figures to find the true “Mother’s Day capitals” of the country.

With the big day arriving this Sunday, March 15, local businesses are bracing for a busy weekend as residents finalise their plans.

Port Talbot and Llanelli workers among most worried in Wales about AI taking their jobs, new study finds

Fears that AI could replace human workers are highest in Port Talbot, Llanelli and Ammanford, which all feature in the top five Welsh towns searching for answers about the risk to their employment.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The study found that Port Talbot was the third most anxious town in Wales, with 279 searches per 10,000 people each month. The finding comes despite recent efforts to position Port Talbot as Wales’ AI capital and schemes to help former steelworkers retrain in AI.

Llanelli and Ammanford ranked fourth and fifth, with 194 and 177 searches respectively.

Bridgend was the second most concerned town in the country, with 309 searches per 10,000 people, despite being at the heart of a new South Wales AI growth zone and plans for greater use of AI by the local council.

Swansea and Neath also featured in the top ten, with 152 and 137 searches respectively. The anxiety in Swansea exists alongside the city’s growing reputation as a centre for AI research, with Swansea University set to host a prestigious Google DeepMind programme.

In Neath Port Talbot, meanwhile, an award-winning AI project is already being used to save social workers 15 hours a week.

Across the UK, Wales was the second most concerned nation about the rise of AI, with an average of 23 searches per 10,000 people, second only to Northern Ireland. The findings come as Transport for Wales begins using AI to improve the country’s bus networks.

However, the efficiency experts behind the study have urged workers not to panic, arguing that AI is more likely to make jobs more enjoyable than to replace them entirely.

“I think it’s a big question on a lot of people’s minds at the moment, and a bit of fear, is this going to affect my job? Is this going to take my job?” said Kane Taylor from Ailsa.

“But I think we can twist this in a positive way. If AI can do all the remedial tasks in the background, it means we can upskill our workforces to do more interesting, or more complex things, that we can focus our time on.”

His colleague Jamie Burns agreed, adding that the so-called ‘robot revolution’ should be seen as a business enabler rather than a risk.

“I think a lot of people are scared and worried about AI taking their job, but companies can use AI to streamline their processes and enable them to become a better business,” he said.

“You’re always going to need people. We deal with data day in and day out, we deal with AI day in and day out, but it’s never going to replace a person. Everything still needs a person, every interaction still needs someone there, because the whole personality and personal touch is what makes business operate.”

The experts advised workers to learn how to use AI to their advantage, lean into the human skills that technology can’t replicate, and focus on building a reputation that people trust.

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Ammanford named the UK’s most romantic town

Ammanford has beaten every city, town and village in Britain to take the number one spot in a nationwide analysis of Google searches linked to Valentine’s Day. The study looked at how often people searched for romantic terms in February 2025 and compared it to local population size.

With a population of just 7,380, Ammanford recorded 8,400 Valentine’s‑related searches — meaning, on average, every person in the town searched more than once.

Wales dominated the rankings, taking five of the top ten places, including Wrexham, Bridgend and Carmarthen. Only Chichester, Truro, Walsall, Nottingham and Newry broke into the list from outside Wales.

Top 10 most romantic places in the UK

1. Ammanford
The Carmarthenshire town tops the UK for Valentine’s searches per person.

2. Wrexham
Wales takes the second spot with another strong showing.

3. Chichester
The highest‑ranking English location in the top 10.

4. Bridgend
Another Welsh entry, placing firmly in the UK’s top tier.

5. Truro
Cornwall’s cathedral city takes fifth place.

6. Walsall
The West Midlands town ranks sixth for Valentine’s enthusiasm.

7. Bangor
North Wales secures yet another place in the top 10.

8. Nottingham
The East Midlands city is the only major urban area in the list.

9. Newry
Northern Ireland’s entry places ninth overall.

10. Carmarthen
A fifth Welsh town rounds off the UK’s most romantic top 10.

The findings suggest Wales is officially the UK’s most love‑struck nation, despite England recording the highest total number of searches overall.

The analysis was carried out by Scottish chocolatier Geraldo’s of Largs, who say the results show smaller towns are leading the way when it comes to Valentine’s enthusiasm.

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, said many people feel pressure to get Valentine’s Day “right”, but added that romance doesn’t need to be complicated.

“I’m sure we’ve all had a moment of Valentine’s panic in the past. Did I get the right gift, book the right restaurant, will they like these flowers, but the truth is, there’s no need to worry,” she said.

She suggested keeping things simple, adding that a home‑cooked meal can often beat a busy restaurant.

“Valentine’s in a restaurant can sound like a great idea, but fighting to get a reservation on one of the busiest nights of the year adds stress that can kill the romantic vibe,” she said.

She also encouraged people to choose handmade gifts where possible.

“Chocolates or treats which are hand decorated, or in some way bespoke, show that you’ve put a little more thought and effort into some of the simpler options available.”

And her final tip was the simplest of all.

“The most important, and also the most overlooked thing about Valentine’s Day, is your Valentine themselves. No matter what you get them as a gift, make sure you give them your time first and foremost.”

With Ammanford topping the UK list — and Bridgend and Carmarthen also making the top ten — Wales appears to be the true home of romance this year.

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Ammanford teen jailed after raping 12‑year‑old girl he met on Snapchat

Jake Richards was 17 at the time of the offence, which happened after he and the girl exchanged messages on Snapchat before meeting in person. Swansea Crown Court heard the victim thought they were going to talk as they walked to a secluded tunnel — but Richards initiated sex and continued even after she repeatedly told him to stop.

The girl reported what happened in August 2024 after confiding in a friend. Police launched a detailed investigation involving forensic and digital evidence, which led to Richards being charged with rape. He later pleaded guilty.

He was sentenced today (Wednesday, January 21) to three years and six months in a young offender’s institution.

Police praise victim’s bravery

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock of Dyfed‑Powys Police said the victim had shown “remarkable courage” in coming forward.

He said officers carried out a thorough investigation, with DNA and digital evidence helping secure an early guilty plea and sparing the girl the trauma of a trial.

DS Pocock added that the case highlighted the importance of talking to young people about online safety, the law around consent, and what to do if someone continues sexual activity without consent.

He said specialist officers would “listen to, support and seek justice for victims of all ages”.

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock, Dyfed‑Powys Police, said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the victim, who was just 12 years old when this offence happened, for her courage in coming forward and for her cooperation throughout the investigation.

“Rape, or any form of sexual abuse, is incredibly difficult to talk about, especially at such a young age, and she showed remarkable bravery in saying no when she felt uncomfortable and in later reporting what happened.

“Our specialist officers explored her account thoroughly, and forensic and digital evidence helped secure an early guilty plea, sparing her the additional trauma of a trial.

“This case highlights the importance of talking to young people about staying safe online, understanding consent, and knowing what to do if someone continues sexual activity despite a lack of consent.

“We want victims of all ages to know that we will listen, support them and seek justice.”

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Intoxicated teenage thug sentenced after glass tankard attack

Swansea Crown Court heard that Thomas Brady launched the attack on his victim on October 18 when the victim was walking past Lloyds Bank on Quay Street at around 2.30 am. In an unprovoked attack, Brady smashed the victim in the face with a Staropramen tankard pint glass, knocking him to the ground.

While the victim was on the ground, Brady relentlessly carried on the callous attack, bludgeoning the victim multiple times, leaving the victim drifting in and out of consciousness.

Witnesses fetched security staff from the nearby pub, who stepped in after seeing the victim covered in blood.

Brady fled the scene and discarded the tankard when he saw the police arriving. He was arrested in a nearby car park and told police he ran because his friend had been involved in a fight.

The court heard he had drunk alcohol and taken cocaine that night.

Prosecuting, Hannah George said the victim was an “acquaintance” of Brady, and it was unclear what sparked the attack.

The victim attended the A&E department at Morriston Hospital and underwent a CT scan. He had cuts and bruises to his head, one tooth had been knocked out, and two teeth had been fractured.

Brady, of Bridle Road in Eastham, Merseyside, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The 19-year-old had one previous conviction for common assault and a public order offence. He was also on bail at the time of these offences.

Addressing Brady, Judge Catherine Richards said:

“You plainly shouldn’t drink or take drugs when it has such a harmful impact on others.”

She sentenced him to three years detention in a Young Offender Institution. The victim was granted a 10-year restraining order.

Swansea woman and ex‑husband jailed after cocaine bust

Dramatic footage released by South Wales Police shows the moment Lisa Regan, 53, from Portmead, Swansea, was arrested as she stepped off a plane — bringing down a drugs empire she ran with her ex‑husband.

Regan and Phillip Jones, 44, from Brynhyfryd, Swansea, oversaw a cocaine supply chain that flooded Swansea and Ammanford. Investigators found images on their phones showing Jones cutting up a kilo of cocaine, while the pair laundered their profits through a café in Blaenymaes.

At Swansea Magistrates Court in October, Jones admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, two counts of possession with intent to supply, concealing criminal property and driving while disqualified. He was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison. Regan admitted similar offences and was handed seven years and four months.

Police also uncovered a Carmarthenshire link. Tracy Lewis, 54, from Llandybie, was buying large amounts of cocaine from Regan and running his own operation in Ammanford.

He admitted multiple offences including supply of cocaine, crack cocaine and cannabis, possession with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property. He was jailed for six years.

Sergeant Luke Tucker said:

“Between them, Lisa Regan, Phillip Jones and Tracy Lewis were responsible for flooding our local communities with significant quantities of Class A and B drugs.

“They thought they were above the law – but they will have been devastated to discover their operations weren’t as impenetrable as they thought. Their removal from society has made our streets far safer and better off.”

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