He’s 18, he’s doing his A-Levels, and his school lets him leave class to fight fires

When the alerter goes off, most teenagers are thinking about lunch.

Bobi Jones is thinking about which fire engine to jump on.

The 18-year-old is one of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s youngest ever on-call firefighters – and he does it while studying A-Levels at Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul.

His school has even granted him special permission to leave free periods when an emergency call comes in.

Bobi applied to become an on-call firefighter shortly before his 18th birthday – and he was accepted almost immediately, joining the crew at Newcastle Emlyn Fire Station in November 2025.

He is far from the first in his family to don the uniform.

His brother, father, uncle and grandfather have all served with the fire service – representing three generations of firefighters and more than 75 years of combined service between them.

One of his most memorable early incidents was a fire at a local gym, where he was involved in rolling out hoses and establishing safety lines – exactly the kind of work most people his age couldn’t imagine.

“There’s a good crew here at Newcastle Emlyn Station, which includes members of my family,” Bobi said. “We all support each other and there’s great camaraderie here.”

Outside the fire station, Bobi plays for Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club and is studying A-Level Business and Sport.

He says the desire to give back to his community was the main reason he applied – and he has found it genuinely rewarding.

After finishing school, Bobi plans to start an electrician apprenticeship – with a long-term goal of becoming a wholetime firefighter.

On-call firefighters remain available to respond in their own time, receiving retainer fees and call-out payments alongside whatever other work or study they’re doing.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting for on-call firefighters – and Bobi’s message to anyone considering it is simple.

“I would say absolutely go for it,” he said. “The availability options are flexible enough to suit everyone and the Service is always recruiting for more on-call firefighters.”

MENTRAU IAITH CYMRU A PYST YN CYFLWYNO

LLEUWEN

05.02 - 96 DEGREES, #yBONTFAEN
06.02 - YR HEN LYFRGELL, #PORTH
07.02 - SIP, MARCHNAD #CASNEWYDD
13.02 - RED LION, #LLANIDLOES
14.02- Y FIC, #LLITHFAEN
15.02 - GWESTY OWAIN GLYNDWR, #CORWEN
19.02 - CAFFI BECA, #EFAILWEN
20.02 - Y PORTH, #LLANDYSUL
21.02 - CAFFI LOLFA, #PorthTywyn

#Cymraeg

Former Red Arrows chief engineer from Tregroes picked as Government Aviation Ambassador

Ross Priday, who grew up in Tregroes near Llandysul, has been named one of the Government’s new Aviation Ambassadors — a group of industry professionals tasked with getting young people excited about careers in engineering, flying and the wider aviation sector.

Priday, who once oversaw engineering for the world‑famous RAF aerobatic team, will now spend the next year visiting schools, colleges and events to promote the huge range of jobs available in aviation.

From Tregroes to the Red Arrows

Priday previously served as Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, travelling the world with the team and managing the complex engineering that keeps the jets in the air.

He has since gone on to run his own aviation safety consultancy and has spoken internationally — including at the African Aviation Summit in Rwanda — about opening up the industry to under‑represented groups.

Speaking about his new ambassador role, he said he wanted young people to see aviation as a sector “full of opportunity”.

“Aviation gave me a career I could never have imagined, and I want others to see the incredible opportunities this industry offers,” he said. “Whether someone is fascinated by engineering, drawn to the skies as a pilot, or interested in roles like air traffic control, ground operations or aviation law, there truly is something for everyone.”

Government wants more young people in aviation

The Department for Transport says the ambassador programme is designed to boost skills, widen access and help build a future workforce for an industry facing major recruitment challenges.

Aviation Minister Keir Mather said the ambassadors would help “break down barriers” and show young people that “the sky really is the limit”.

The volunteers will give talks, run workshops and use social media to reach students, with a particular focus on areas where aviation careers are less visible.

Who else made the ambassador list?

The new cohort includes airport firefighters, airline operations bosses, outreach specialists and social‑media aviation influencers — including:

• Lauren Turner, who rose from airport security officer to Operations Director at East Midlands Airport
• Miguel Cabrera Vivas, known online as The Aviation Mentor
• David Gardner, a senior firefighter and medical lead at Luton Airport
• Sigourney Ansah, a future easyJet cadet pilot

They officially begin their roles on 28 January.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Ex‑Navy entrepreneur urges young people to consider career in Armed Forces
A former Royal Navy serviceman shares his journey and encourages the next generation to explore military careers.

Pembrokeshire blind veteran, 84, to spend Christmas with fellow ex‑service men and women
An 84‑year‑old veteran finds companionship after facing the prospect of spending Christmas alone.

Milford Haven shortlisted for new UK munitions factory
A major defence investment could be heading to Pembrokeshire as the town makes the national shortlist.

Tributes to Llanelli World War II veteran and author Idwal Davies BEM
Community figures pay tribute to a respected WWII veteran, author and Llanelli historian.

Llandysul man admits part in illegal dog breeding racket

Court confession

Thomas John Jones, of Prengwyn near Llandysul, stood before Swansea Crown Court and admitted knowingly joining the fraudulent business between March 2015, when he was just 17, and November 2023.

Prosecutors told the court Jones was involved in hiding the true identity of dogs being sold and producing false paperwork to mislead unsuspecting buyers.

Part of a wider network

His guilty plea is just one strand of a much larger case. Trading standards officers from across Wales have spent years investigating the racket, which they say involved multiple players across Llandysul and beyond.

Among those accused is Sara Pritchard Davies, 28, a former winner of S4C’s Can i Gymru, who will stand trial alongside Euros Davies, 60, a councillor from Llanybydder. They are joined by Rhydian Davies, 28, also from Prengwyn, Delyth Mathias, 29, of Cardiff, and Rebecca Bailey, 30, from Llangrannog. All five deny the charges and are set to face a jury in November 2026.

Guilty pleas already entered

Jones is not the only one to admit wrongdoing. Nerys Wyn Davies of Penrhiwllan has already pleaded guilty, while David Bethell of Llandysul, Cara Barrett of Carmarthen, and David Peter Jones of Llandysul accepted responsibility and were handed cautions that will remain on their records. In contrast, Margaret Ann Jones, 71, of Llandysul, was cleared after prosecutors dropped the case against her.

Echoes in Carmarthenshire

The Llandysul case is far from isolated. Just across the county border in Carmarthenshire, Swansea Bay News has already reported on a string of prosecutions that exposed the scale of illegal dog breeding in West Wales.

In one case, a man from Pencader was ordered to repay more than £100,000 made from selling puppies without a licence, or face jail. In another, three breeders were forced to hand over £80,000 after investigators found they had been selling cocker spaniel puppies illegally. Even a Kennel Club show judge was caught up in the scandal, prosecuted by Carmarthenshire Council for unlicensed breeding.

These stories paint a picture of a region where puppy farming has thrived in the shadows, with trading standards teams warning of serious risks to animal welfare and unsuspecting buyers. The Llandysul case now adds to that growing tally, showing how deep the problem runs across rural communities in West Wales.

Trading standards crackdown

The case was brought by Ceredigion County Council and highlights the scale of illegal breeding operations in rural Wales. Investigators say fraudulent paperwork and hidden identities of dogs were central to the scheme, which left families paying thousands for animals with uncertain backgrounds.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Illegal dog breeder ordered to pay £100,000
A Pencader man was told to repay £100,000 from puppy sales or face prison.

Unlicensed breeders forced to hand over £80,000
Three Carmarthenshire breeders had thousands confiscated after selling cocker spaniel puppies without a licence.

Kennel Club show judge prosecuted
Carmarthenshire Council brought a case against a former show judge for unlicensed breeding.

Crackdown sparks call for national law overhaul
Councillors and the RSPCA demand tougher rules after a string of Carmarthenshire puppy farm prosecutions.

#animalWelfare #Carmarthen #Dogs #illegalDogBreeding #Llandysul #Llangrannog #Llanybydder #Prengwyn #prosecution #puppies #TradingStandards

Fresh cash call to bring back lost West Wales rail line

Traws Link Cymru, set up in 2013, wants to reinstate the route axed in the 1960s Beeching Cuts. They say poor roads and patchy rail links are choking Mid and West Wales, leaving communities cut off and opportunities wasted.

“Realising the potential of this region requires vision, planning and inward investment. But the poor communications network remains a major drawback,” the group said.

‘Kick‑start regeneration’

The campaign argues new tracks would kick‑start economic and social regeneration, opening up tourism, agriculture and small industries. They point to three university campuses, the National Library of Wales, the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Monuments, and S4C’s headquarters — all hampered by poor transport.

Supporters say journeys of less than 50 miles can take hours, underlining the lack of direct north‑south connectivity.

Political row over the line

The future of the route has become a political flashpoint. Plaid Senedd member, Adam Price has accused ministers of failing to act and warned the project is at risk unless the Welsh Government formally protects the corridor from development.

“It is not acceptable for the Welsh Government to essentially wash their hands of this commitment. They are dragging their feet and putting this whole project at risk.”

A feasibility study in 2018 put the cost of reopening at £775 million, but campaigners argue little progress has been made since. More recent estimates suggest the bill could rise to around £2 billion. Critics say it’s a huge price tag with no guarantee of political backing. Campaigners counter that the benefits — jobs, investment and national cohesion — would outweigh the costs.

Transport Secretary Ken Skates has pushed back, warning that land protections could harm communities.

“Putting land protections in place for the reopening of sections of railway lines can risk creating blight to landowners, it can have a potential economic cost to communities, and there would also be the obvious ongoing resourcing cost to maintain the protections.”

He added that reopening remains a longer‑term option, subject to full value‑for‑money tests.

Local voices demand action

Community campaigner and independent Senedd candidate for Caerfyrddin, Carl Peters‑Bond, says the time for delay is over.

“This rail link should have been rebuilt decades ago. Communities across West Wales have been left waiting while investment pours into Cardiff and the Valleys.”

He said stations at Llandysul, Llanybydder and Lampeter must be part of the plan to serve towns that have been overlooked.

“People are tired of political point‑scoring. What we need now is real investment in infrastructure that connects our communities, supports local businesses, and gives young people a reason to stay in West Wales.”

Carl added that the project is about fairness as much as transport.

“If we want a stronger, fairer Wales, we need to stop talking and start building. West Wales deserves the same opportunities as the rest of the country — and that starts with laying tracks.”

Traws Link Cymru say their crowdfunding page is live at JustGiving, with donations going towards campaign costs including meetings, advertising and lobbying.

https://vimeo.com/103641050?fl=pl&fe=sh

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Renewed calls to reopen Aberystwyth to Carmarthen rail link
Campaigners and local representatives renew pressure to restore north–south rail connectivity across Mid and West Wales.

New evening buses added to Aberystwyth–Carmarthen route
Transport for Wales expands TrawsCymru T1/T1X services to improve evening and weekend links between Aberystwyth, Lampeter and Carmarthen.

Carmarthen–Aberystwyth route sees 65% passenger growth
Electric TrawsCymru buses deliver a sharp rise in ridership, underscoring demand for stronger north–south connections.

Improved Carmarthen–Aberystwyth bus route a hit with passengers
Over 100,000 journeys recorded since the all‑electric relaunch, highlighting appetite for better regional transport links.

#Aberystwyth #AdamPriceMS #CarlPetersBond #Carmarthen #CarmarthenToAberystwythRailLink #KenSkatesMS #Lampeter #Llandysul #Llanybydder #railInvestment #railLink #TrawsLinkCymru #WestWalesRail

Former police CCTV operator sentenced for coercive abuse and data offences

Russell Hasler, 42, from Llandysul, was handed a 17‑month prison sentence — suspended for 18 months — at Swansea Crown Court on Monday 24 November. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, attend 20 days of rehabilitation activity, and pay a £500 fine. A five‑year restraining order has been imposed to protect the victim.

Hasler had worked as a civilian CCTV operator for Dyfed‑Powys Police until his arrest in October 2023. He resigned the following month and was later charged with coercive and controlling behaviour towards his ex‑partner, alongside offences under data protection and computer misuse legislation.

He admitted the data protection offence and initially denied coercive control, but changed his plea shortly before trial. The computer misuse charge was dropped from proceedings.

Victim impact statement: “The damage cannot be undone”

In a statement read to the court, the victim described the long‑term impact of the abuse, saying:

“There were times when the emotional pain, torment and relentlessness of the abuse became so overwhelming that I questioned whether I could carry on.”

She detailed ongoing cognitive and physical symptoms linked to chronic anxiety and stress, including memory lapses, intrusive thoughts, and persistent discomfort.

Police response: “A profound betrayal of public trust”

Detective Constable Simon Reynolds, from Dyfed‑Powys Police’s Professional Standards Department, said the case represented a serious breach of public trust.

“Controlling and coercive behaviour has a devastating impact on its victims,” he said. “The fact that Russell Hasler was a police staff member at the time of offending, compounded by his breaching of Data Protection legislation, is a profound betrayal of the standards that the public should rightly expect.”

He praised the victim’s courage in supporting the investigation and said the sentencing should reassure the public that such offences are taken seriously.

#cctv #coerciveAndControllingBehaviour #computerMisuse #dataProtection #dyfedPowysPolice #llandysul #policeCctvOperator #policeComputerMisuse #policeProfessionalStandards

GPS tag helps police catch £12,500 tool thief across Carmarthenshire and Powys

Aston Amos, 35, of Bewdley, and Robbie Bate, 27, of Stourport‑on‑Severn, admitted stealing tools worth more than £12,500 from five vehicles during overnight raids in July.

Raids across two counties leave tradesmen out of work

Dyfed‑Powys Police received reports of break‑ins in Brecon and Builth Wells on 17 July, followed by further thefts in Newcastle Emlyn and Llandysul on 24 July. Court documents show the stolen items included a chainsaw worth around £500, roofing tools valued at £1,500, and other equipment worth thousands of pounds. The damage and loss left several tradesmen unable to work.

Investigators linked the crimes to an Audi A4 seen in each area. Hotel records later showed Bate had checked into accommodation in St Clears using the car’s registration number. Amos, meanwhile, was wearing a GPS monitoring tag at the time. Location data placed him at the scene of each theft. When questioned, he told officers: “You have put me in the area. That’s all you have done, put me in the area,” and even claimed never to have heard of Carmarthenshire.

Police seized the Audi and recovered some of the stolen tools before requesting assistance from West Mercia Police to arrest the pair.

Court hears of past convictions as sentences handed down

At Swansea Crown Court on 14 November, Amos was jailed for nine months, consecutive to a sentence he was already serving. Bate received a nine‑month sentence suspended for two years, along with a 12‑week curfew, 160 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation activity days. The court heard Amos had 15 previous convictions for 24 offences, while Bate had eight previous convictions for 22 offences.

Detective Constable Carl Thomas, who led the case, said:

“This was a strong investigation led by North Ceredigion CID with a huge amount of support from a number of departments across the force to apprehend two travelling criminals.

Amos and Bate came into the Dyfed‑Powys area with the aim of targeting vans that might contain valuable tools, working their way through two counties to acquire a vast number of items.

Thankfully we have been able to recoup some of the stolen items for the victims, however these thefts will still have caused a loss of income and inconvenience for those affected.”

#brecon #builthWells #dyfedPowysPolice #gpsMonitoringTag #llandysul #newcastleEmlyn #robbery #stClears #theft #toolTheft

Body found in search for missing Llandysul man

Police say that formal identification has yet to take place, but Gareth’s family has been informed.

Earlier appeal

Police launched an appeal last week to trace Gareth, who had been missing since Friday, November 7. He was last seen on Neath Road, Resolven, and was said to be known to frequent the mountains around Resolven and Melincourt.

At the time, officers urged anyone with information to come forward, quoting reference number 2500356857.

Police statement

In today’s update, South Wales Police said:

“Officers searching for 46‑year‑old Gareth Perkins, from Llandysul, Ceredigion, who has been missing since last week, have located a body in Rheola, Neath Port Talbot. Formal identification has yet to take place. Gareth’s family has been informed.”

#llandysul #missingPersons #resolven #rheola #southWalesPolice

Former police CCTV operator admits coercive control and data offences

Russell Hasler, 41, from Llandysul, worked at the force’s headquarters between May 2019 and November 2023. He resigned while under investigation by the Professional Standards Department.

Arrest and charges

Hasler was arrested in October 2023 on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour, computer misuse and data protection offences. He was later charged with all three.

In March 2025, he admitted to knowingly obtaining or disclosing personal data without consent. He had denied coercive control until 20 October, when he changed his plea to guilty two days before his trial at Swansea Crown Court.

The computer misuse charge was denied and no further action is being taken on that count.

Allegations of surveillance

Court proceedings heard that between February 2020 and September 2021, Hasler engaged in coercive behaviour towards his partner. This included accessing police logs relating to her, her ex‑partner and her friends, and using CCTV systems to monitor her movements — making her aware that he was doing so.

He also accessed information without authorisation, in breach of data protection laws.

Court proceedings

At a hearing earlier this year, Hasler admitted the data protection offences at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. His guilty plea to coercive control was accepted by prosecutors at Swansea Crown Court in October.

Defence counsel Dyfed Thomas said Hasler “didn’t realise the effects of his behaviour at the time but accepts he ought to have done so.”

Judge Catherine Richards adjourned sentencing for a pre‑sentence report, warning Hasler: “You should be prepared for all outcomes.” He was re‑admitted to bail.

Police response

Superintendent Phil Rowe, Head of the Professional Standards Department at Dyfed‑Powys Police, said:

“Domestic abuse will not be tolerated within Dyfed‑Powys – whether the offender is a member of the public or from within our organisation.

As a force, we are committed to working towards the elimination of domestic abuse, and that is a priority not just within our communities but also internally here at Dyfed‑Powys Police. We welcome this guilty plea and await the sentencing.”

Sentencing

Hasler is due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday 24 November.

More from our Police and Crime coverage

Visit our Police and Crime section
Catch up on the latest updates from South Wales Police, court cases, and crime reports across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and beyond. Our dedicated category brings together breaking news, sentencing reports, and community safety updates in one place.

#CCTV #coerciveBehaviour #computerMisuse #dataProtection #domesticAbuse #DyfedPowysPolice #Llandysul #PoliceCCTVOperator

Tractor blaze damages vehicles and home in Carmarthenshire village

Crews from six stations worked for over three hours to contain the incident and prevent further damage.

Fire crews were called to the scene shortly after 2:00pm on Friday 18 July, when a fire broke out in a tractor towing hay bales on the A484 near Llangeler. The blaze quickly intensified, engulfing additional vehicles and spreading to a nearby property.

Responders from Llandysul, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Lampeter, Newcastle Emlyn and Llanelli used eight breathing apparatus sets, multiple hose jets and a water shuttle system to extinguish the flames and protect surrounding buildings.

Damage to the house was contained to the kitchen and attic, and crews remained on scene to monitor for hotspots before declaring the incident under control at 5:43pm.

#Faming #Llandysul #Llangeler #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #tractorFire