Westheads announce passing £50,000 fundraising milestone

* We'll make Thailand together, declare the Westheads.

The pedalling may have been halted by the serious road accident involving one of their their number but the Westheads have just managed to pass a major milestone on their mammoth journey cycling from north Wales to Thailand.

And in their latest video diary from China 19-year-old Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham proudkly announce the joyous news - with their injured mate Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen - that their fundraising total in aid of the British Heart Foundation has just broken through the £50,000 barrier after a year of donations flooding in from supporters back home.

* Giving the good news about their fundraising.

The dynamic trio known collectively as the Westheads are making their 10,000-mile odyssey in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024. They have so far raised over £40,000. 

All was going well until a week ago when Dyfan was badly hurt in a collision with a lorry, sustaining serious injuries to his scalp, neck and legs.

In the past few days the other two lads, who are spending lots of time at the hospital along with his parents who flew out to China immediately after learning of the accident, have put out a couple of promising updates on Dyfan's condition, showing pictures of him giving the thumbs-up sign.

Their latest video on social media sees them making the big fundraising announcement - joined by Dyfan from hospital.    

* And here's proof of the latest total.

Louis and James take it in turns to say: "The circumstances are different for this announcement but we have just hit a massive goal in our fundraising.

"Thanks to all of you, we have now hit £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

"This will go a long way helping so many people and we can't thank you enough.

"We don't know when we're going to touch down in our final destination of Chang Mai but one thing's for sure - we are going to get there together."

And in a gesture of solidarity the film then shows them doing their traditional greeting of "Yes, you Westheads!" joined by Dyfan from hospital, again giving the thumbs-up.

* llanblogger is recording the lads' adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads 

Mountain rescue team have third local callout in five days

* The NEWSAR team helps bring down the casualty from near Castell Dinas Bran.

A mountain rescue team had its third callout in just five days to help walkers in difficulties near Llangollen earlier this week.

On Monday the team from North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) was asked by North Wales Police to assist a walker who had sustained an ankle injury near Castell Dinas Bran.

A forward party quickly made their way to the casualty, where the injury was assessed. Pain relief was given and the injured leg was splinted before the casualty was carefully evacuated from the hill using a stretcher and wheel.

The casualty was safely brought to the roadhead and handed over to the ambulance service for onward travel to hospital.

A NEWSAR spokesperson said: "A big thank you to everyone who responded. It was another slick operation and a great example of teamwork getting the casualty safely off the hill. We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery."
This latest rescue came just four days after NEWSAR was asked by police to assist a walker who had sustained an ankle injury after slipping on the Offa's Dyke Path near Llantysilio on Wednesday August 5.
And just a day later, on August 6, they were back in the area when they were asked by police to help a walker who had sustained a leg injury while walking on the hills above Llangollen.
* NEWSAR's dedicated volunteers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year responding to those in need throughout Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham & parts of Conwy & Powys. To donate, please click the link www.newsar.org.uk/donate

Ysgol Dinas Brân celebrates AS, A Level and Btec success

* Above and below: Students celebrate their exam successes this morning.

Ysgol Dinas Brân is celebrating another year of "excellent" AS, A Level and Btec results, which it says reflects the dedication, resilience and ambition of our students. 

In a statement the school says: "Across a wide range of subjects, students have achieved outcomes of which they can be immensely proud, with many securing top grades, including A* and A grades, and demonstrating strong performance across both AS and A Level qualifications.

"These results are the culmination of years of commitment, hard work and determination. Their achievements have opened exciting pathways to university, higher apprenticeships, employment and further training, providing a strong foundation for successful and fulfilling futures.

"As a school, we recognise that success on this scale is never achieved in isolation. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our teaching and support staff whose expertise, care and unwavering commitment have guided students throughout their learning journeys.

"We would also like to thank parents and carers for their encouragement and support. The partnership between home and school remains one of the most important factors in student success, and these results are a testament to that shared commitment.

"Most importantly, today is about celebrating our students. We are incredibly proud not only of the grades they have achieved but also of the character they have shown throughout their time at Ysgol Dinas Brân. They leave us as confident, capable and compassionate young adults, ready to make a positive contribution to their communities and to the wider world.

"Everyone at Ysgol Dinas Brân congratulates our AS, A Level and Btec students on their achievements and wishes them every success as they take their next steps. We look forward to following their future accomplishments and are confident that they will continue to thrive in whichever path they choose."

Councillor Diane King, Denbighshire's Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to congratulate the pupils of Denbighshire that are receiving their A-level and AS results today. These results are a huge achievement that help shape their next steps going forwards.

"It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get here, so I’d like to congratulate them all on this achievement.

"I would also like highlight the important partnership working that happens within our schools each and every day that ensures that our students have the highest quality education and achieve the best results possible.

"I wish all learners the very best in their next steps in life, the door is wide open for them.”

Dyfan gets in touch from China to say he's feeling better

NOW WITH FURTHER UPDATE FROM THURSDAY MORNING. SEE FOOT OF STORY AND FURTHER PICTURE OF DYFAN ....

The Llangollen teenager seriously injured while on a charity cycling marathon through China has taken to social media to explain why he's not been in touch with his many well-wishers back home - and to show x-ray pictures of his injuries.

Known collectively as the Westheads, mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas, also 19, from Wrexham, are a year into a mammoth cycling trip to Thailand in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024. They have so far raised over £40,000. 

But last week Dyfan sustained head, neck and leg injuries after being involved in a collision with a lorry.

He was rushed to a local hospital where his parents have been by his bedside after flying out from the UK.

Meanwhile, the Westheads' hundreds of supporters back home have been sending scores of messages of online support to Dyfan.

On Tuesday, Louis and James recorded a video message giving an optimistic update on his progress.

And yesterday and this morning, Dyfan himself posted two short video updates.

In the first - the accompaniment of the Bee Gees' Stayin' Alive and giving a thumbs-up - he explains why he's not been responding to all the messages of support.

Pictured in his hospital bed surrounded by equipment with his head bandaged, he posts: "Unfortunately when my phone broke I also forgot all my passwords.

"So if I haven't got back to your message that's why I've had to make a new account.

"Feeling a lot better today. I'll post some updates on here also!" @dyfanhughes5 

In his second film, to the backing of The Jacksons' Blame it on the Boogie, there's a shot of a mobile phone with x-ray pictures of broken leg bones and it has the message: "This is how we are looking on Day 7. There's a lot more to it but we will explain in a video soon." 

LATEST

Later this morning (Thursday) there was another post on the Westheads' social media in which Louis and James gave a further update on Dyfan's condition. It also showed another picture pf him in his hospital bed.

The post said: "We wanted to give everyone an update on Dyfan following his accident. 

"He has suffered some very serious injuries, including major injuries to both legs and his left foot, a serious injury to his scalp and a fracture to his neck. 

"He has already been through multiple procedures and is receiving Specialist Care in hospital. 

"He still has a long road ahead of him, but thankfully, he is in good spirits, staying positive, and fighting through it all. 

"We know lots of people have been asking how he is, so we wanted to share an update. We're incredibly grateful for every message, kind word and bit of support we've received.

"Together, stronger. Yma o hyd!" 

Family fun day on now at field near Ysgol Dinas Bran

An interactive family fun day is being hosted today (Wednesday) at Llangollen Recreation Ground, which is connected to the Ysgol Dinas Bran school site.

Running until 2pm, the event features a free soft play section and taster sessions from local sports clubs.

The day also has interactive fun activities, including games, crafts, silent disco and more.

In attendance are the council’s youth workers, Flying Start and Families First team, as well as representatives from the Credu WCD young carers and Menter Iaith.

The event is open to children of all ages, with a range of services available for families on the day to find out more information about the support on offer to them in the local area.

Cheryl Hughes, Community Focused Engagement Manager at Denbighshire County Council said: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when schools and community partners work together. Community-focused schools are about creating opportunities that extend beyond the school day, supporting children, young people, and families to thrive.

"The family fun day celebrates the strengths in our community and highlights the wide range of support services available to local families." 

Smell of smoke is coming from south Wales, says fire service

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has sent out a message reassuring people who say they can smell smoke on the air that it's coming from many miles away.

This comes after a number of people in this area have reported this smell on social media.

The fire service says on its own social media post: "Our control room is receiving a lot of calls this morning relating to smoke. We can confirm that the smoke is travelling from the wildfires currently burning in South Wales.

"If you see a fire, please call 999 immediately. Otherwise please keep the phone lines clear.

"Help reduce the risk of fires during this exceptionally dry period by taking extra care when outdoors. Please avoid activities that could accidentally start a fire and follow any local safety advice.https://www.northwalesfire.gov.wales/.../appeal-to-stay.../

"If you are affected by smoke please keep windows and doors closed."

Non-animal circus comes to town from tomorrow

A traditional, non-animal circus will stop off in Llangollen from tomorrow as part of its summer tour of north and mid Wales.

Based in north Wales, Peregrine Circus says it "drifts into towns and villages" and is a collective of acrobats, artists and musicians united by a love of live performance and a deep connection to the landscapes and legends of the land.

From this Thursday to Sunday its Belly of the Whale show will have seven performances at Llangollen Pavilion. 

Its advertising material describes it as a traditional, all-human, village green circus with "no animals, only people, artistry, and the magic they create together."

Founded and directed by Robin Timson, it has entered its second year following the success of its 2025 debut show.

Said to be inspired by the sea, folklore and the stories its performers carry with them, the production brings together aerial performance, acrobatics, live musicians and "unforgettable characters" beneath the canvas.

Acts include roller skates and perch, teeterboard acrobatics, contortion and trapeze, aerial net and roped, all accompanied by a three-piece orchestra.

Its 2026 tour began in Llandulas in May and ends back there after stops in Anglesey, the Llyn Peninsula, Brecon and Powys early next month.

* For tickets, got to: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peregrinecircus/2026815