Denbighshire Leisure's guide to Sir Tom Jones' Rhyl concert

To celebrate the release of his 41^st studio album Surrounded by Time, Sir Tom Jones is returning to North Wales for an exclusive outdoor concert at the Rhyl Events Arena on Wednesday September 1.

With the gates opening at 5pm, an expected sell-out crowd of 7,000 concert goers are planning to attend the live standing concert on the waterfront to enjoy a night of music from Sir Tom and support act Megan McKenna.

Denbighshire Leisure, who run the arena, has issued a guide to the essential things people need to know ahead of the event: 

Covid Safety 

If you develop any symptoms of Covid-19, test positive or are advised via the NHS to self-isolate, please do not attend the event.

You will need to present ONE of the following two items:

1.      Proof of double vaccination, with the 2^nd received a minimum of 14days before the event

A negative lateral flow test – Registered with the NHS within 48 hours of the event.
You can order test here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
and register you test here: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result 

Venue address

The concert takes place at:

Rhyl Events Arena, East Parade, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 3AF 

Getting there by car

Car parks nearby:

1.                Central Car Park (Underground) LL18 1HD

2.                Morley Road LL18 3HG

3.                East Parade LL18 3SG

4.                West Kinmel Street, LL18 1DA

5.                White Rose Shopping Centre, LL18 1EW

Getting there by taxi

Taxis can drop-off on the promenade close to the Events Arena. Taxi ranks are situated at the Town Hall (on Water Street) and at the Railway Station. 

Getting there by bus

Arriva Buses Wales run regular services locally and to nearby towns and villages – for route maps and timetables please visit www.traveline.cymru or download the free app. 

Getting there by train

Rhyl Station is served by Transport for Wales trains and Avanti West Coast trains, with direct services from many mainline stations. Once you arrive in Rhyl, the Events Arena is just a short 10-minute walk away from the station. 

ACCESSIBILITY

1.     The event arena is suitable for wheelchair users with friendly stewards around to assist and accessible toilets. 

WEATHER

2.      The show must go on whatever the weather so concert goers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the wonderful Welsh weather!

REFRESHMENTS

3.      A variety of food and drink will be available within the arena. You are not permitted to bring any food and drink to the event. You are permitted to bring in a sealed bottle of water. 

TOILETS

1.      Standard and accessible toilet facilities are located throughout the event arena. 

* For more information visit the Rhyl Pavilion website https://www.rhylpavilion.co.uk/events_list/tom-jones-surrounded-by-time/  or call the team on: 01745 330000.

Rhug Estate's farm tours shortlisted for top award

* Farm manager Gareth Jones shows local school children one of the chicks.

* Lord Newborough, right, and Gareth Jones give a group of London chefs a tour of the farm.

Rhug Estate’s educational farm tours have been shortlisted in the Education Initiative category of the Food and Drink Federation Awards 2021, with the winners being announced next month.

The Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) Education Initiative Award recognises the positive work of companies with schools and colleges to encourage interest in food and drink manufacturing and help to facilitate employment opportunities for young people. 

Nominations could be for one-off events, ongoing contributions to lessons, schemes to experience the world of work or develop employability skills.

Amongst those shortlisted for the Education Initiative Award along with Rhug Estate’s farm tours are Britvic PLC for encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in STEM, Chartwells Independents for their Adventurous Food Book, the Chilled Food Association for their Chilled Education initiative, Coca-Cola Europacific partners and UK Youth for its Reach Up programme and REHIS/FSS Secondary Schools Initiative.

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “I am truly honoured that our farm tours have been chosen to be shortlisted for this Award by the Food and Drink Federation. 

"I believe it is part of our job as custodians of this countryside to impart the knowledge we have to the next generation. I feel it is vitally important to spread the word about how important organic farming is to providing a better, more sustainable and healthy future. 

"I am horrified by newspaper articles that state children do not know where their food comes from. I want future generations to know that the way we farm reduces the carbon in the atmosphere and reduces the effects of global warming.”   

Lord Newborough has been welcoming groups to visit and tour the organic farm for many years. Educational groups of all ages are welcome from Methrin (pre-school) to U3A (University of the Third Age). 

A tour of the farm fits into all levels of the curriculum. Student vets are also welcomed on the farm and agricultural college groups are invited back year after year. Rhug also has groups of chefs and fellow farmers that come to tour the organic farm.

According to Lord Newborough, the tours can be an eye-opener as to how removed consumers are from the production of the food they eat and the level of knowledge can vary vastly. 

A regular question involves wanting to know the differences between the bison on the farm and buffalo and why can’t bison produce milk. Then there are the children who sadly think their meat comes from the supermarket and do not realise how eggs are produced.

Rhug Estate’s farm manager Gareth Jones takes almost every group around the farm and no matter how much knowledge the groups arrive with he has a gentle way of explaining food production whether he is talking to famous chefs or primary school pupils.

The award-winning writer, broadcaster and journalist Jay Rayner will host the Food and Drink Federation’s Awards Ceremony on Thursday September 16 at the Royal Lancaster, London, when all the award category winners will be announced.

Now that Wales is at Alert Level Zero Rhug Estate says it hopes to be able to start providing education tours of the organic farm once again in the near future.

One Hundred Knights reveals its future plans

* The Royal Hotel is operated by One Hundred Knights.

North Wales-based hospitality and leisure operator One Hundred Knights has announced it is set for further expansion in 2021. 

The business is responsible for operating The Royal Hotel, which dates back to 1752, plus wedding venue Tyn Dwr Hall and the Three Eagles Bar & Grill. 

It says that enabling works are continuing at The Royal and that there are plans to open a new restaurant this autumn.  

Knights Construction Group began restoration works at The Royal in July of this, starting with structural works to secure the river wall beneath the hotel footprint. 

One Hundred Knights says new locations have now been identified to further develop the leisure portfolio “bringing new jobs and additional prosperity to the region”.  

One Hundred Knights MD Matt Jones said: “There are big plans happening, the silver lining to what has been a tough year is future growth. 

“We’re enormously proud of our company culture, the community of people we work with and the businesses we operate. Armed with a winning formula, we plan to open more hotels and restaurants in the next five years.” 

The team behind the hospitality group of companies say it has used the previous 12 months to plan for a successful comeback, alongside devising new strategies for growth under the One Hundred Knights brand and development of its senior management team. 

Matt Jones said: “Following a substantial period of progressive growth we have restructured the senior management team to ensure dedicated support in key areas across finance, commercial and marketing. This will prove integral to the team in driving commercial success, with our sights firmly set on further development and rapid expansion.” 

Yvonne Jackson, CEO of Condor Hotels, has been appointed to the One Hundred Knights board of directors to support plans to refurbish and re-launch The Royal Hotel. 

A business consultant, she has over 30 years of hospitality experience, having held senior management positions at 4-star deluxe hotels. 

Since the lifting of restrictions wedding venue Tyn Dwr Hall, which is now in its fifth year of trading, has enjoyed its first full month of weddings, whilst the Three Eagles was recently awarded a 2021 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award – its second since the start of trading in 2018. 

“As our reputation grows, so does our confidence in what we can achieve as a group. This is a truly exciting time for One Hundred Knights and our team,” Matt Jones added.

“We will open our new restaurant in the autumn and look to identify further opportunities for new restaurant ventures in the coming 12 to 18 months. 

"Enabling works on The Royal Hotel have already begun in earnest. A full refurbishment and renovation will take place before a newly-realised Royal Hotel is opened to guests in late 2022. 

“The boutique 4* experience will offer something incomparable for the area and entice a broad market to visit the town and surrounding areas whilst providing additional investment for the local economy. 

“From there we see One Hundred Knights will become as a dominant force, with further properties in the coming years both regionally and on a national scale.”

Smoke alarm appeal follows fire in Llangollen

Two appliances from Wrexham, one from Llangollen and one from Oswestry attended a property fire in the Llangollen area yesterday at 2.22pm (Monday 16th August).

The fire was under control by 3.20pm and resources remained on scene until 5:48pm.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service says in a post on its Facebook page: "The fire is thought to have started in the kitchen due to an electrical fault in the dishwasher."

Adam Leatham, from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There were no smoke alarms installed within this property that could have given early warning of the fire.

"It’s vital to be prepared should the worst happen – make sure you have a smoke alarm and do not tamper with it. If it does not work then please get in touch with us to help you address this.

“A working smoke alarm can give you the time you need to get out, stay out, and call 999. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing your alarm regularly and by planning and practising an escape route.”

“We offer free safe and well checks for all residents – a member of the Service will give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and provide new alarms - all free of charge.

“To register for a free safe and well check, please call our Freephone number between 9am and 5pm on 0800 169 1234, email cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk or visit the website www.northwalesfire.gov.wales”

New look planned for Riverside Park's mini golf

llanblogger exclusive

* How the re-styled mini golf at Riverside Park will look. 

People will soon be able to take a look at some of the Dee Valley’s top attractions ... without leaving Llangollen’s Riverside Park.

That’s because there’s a plan to completely facelift the old mini golf range there, with each of its nine holes being based on model representations of the area’s major crowd-pullers, including Plas Newydd, Valle Crucis Abbey, Castell Dinas Bran, Llangollen’s ancient bridge, the Horseshoe Falls and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

The idea of using the golf course to showcase all these local tourist spots comes from the team behind the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which recently took over the running of the range and nearby refreshment kiosk.

Paul Evans, manager of Plas Newydd, home of the Ladies of Llangollen, is now also responsible for their development and explains how the transformation is gradually starting to take shape.

He said: “Denbighshire County Council, which runs the park, traditionally leased out the kiosk and the golf.

* The kiosk in the park which has been upgraded.

“A local couple held the lease for 12 years up until the pandemic struck. Like lots of other places it then had to close and they did not renew the lease. The AONB looked at it and decided to take over.

“We’ve now started to run the kiosk on the same lines as we have successfully used at the cafe in Plas Newydd and we also intend to give the mini golf a completely new look.

“We see this as a good opportunity to do something for the town and also to use the new features as a showcase for Plas Newydd and other major attractions in the Dee Valley.”

Paul, who had a summer job working in Riverside Park when he was 16, added: “We want to try and replicate the success we’ve had at Plas Newydd down at the park.

“The kiosk was completely gutted with new flooring and a re-wiring. We’ve also installed a state-of-the-art machine for making good quality coffees and teas.

“At the moment we’re also serving cold drinks and ice creams but our aim is to eventually offer things like home-made cakes and sausage rolls all sourced locally like at Plas Newydd.”

Detailing what’s in mind for the mini golf, Paul said: “We’re aiming for a totally new experience. It will be a nine-hole course with each of the holes representing an area of importance within the Dee Valley.

* The old crazy golf course soon to be given a new look.

“We’re also hoping to have a big map on the side wall of the kiosk directing people to where they can visit the attractions themselves.

“We have a specialist company working on the project and we’re still going through the design process so I can’t say yet when this is likely to be finished.

“The idea is to highlight the whole of the Dee Valley and perhaps to incorporate some walking routes, one of which could be from the park up to Plas Newydd with people leaving their cars in town where there’s more parking than up at Plas.”

As things recover from the pandemic, Paul said the kiosk was currently opening as and when it could during the summer but he added that the aim was to extend the traditional season from April through to October opening seven days a week.

To do this effectively it will have to be adequately staffed and Paul revealed that, in the wake of Covid-19 restrictions, this had been “a nightmare”.

He explained: “Like everyone else we’ve had trouble with recruitment – for both Riverside Park and Plas Newydd.

“We’ve had two recruiting drives over the past few months and only now are we starting to get enough of the right people. But I think we’re nearly there.

“We’ve taken on the park attractions as a long-term project and we want to gradually build them up to the point where they become real assets to the town.”

Ensuring that the best use it made of Llangollen’s outdoor attractions is something of a family affair for Paul and his wife Jessica.

In her own right she has created a new organisation known as the Llangollen Parks and Open Spaces Project, which includes the future well-being of Riverside Park.

Paul said: “She’s been looking at ways of funding and getting grants to upgrade facilities and pay for adequate maintenance. She’s also been trying to find out what sort of improvements people would like to see and speaking to the local MP and Senedd Member along with the town and county councils.

“There’s lots going on behind the scenes but one of the things she’s looking at is the possibility of putting in a splash park at Riverside if the right sort of funding can be secured.” 

Suzuki unveils its one-size-fits-all Swace

Suzuki Swace drive by Steve Rogers

Getting a new car is exciting, deciding which one can be a headache.

Which is the best body shape, best engine; do you go for electric? Then there are the various trim levels and those pricey option packs. I'm getting stressed just writing about it.

But what if there was a 'one size fits all' car. Give a big hand folks to the Suzuki Swace, one body (estate) one engine size, so need for a spread sheet and a pack of aspirin.

Car spotters will notice a remarkable resemblance to the Toyota Touring Sports which, apart from a different front bumper and light signature, is its twin. Suzuki has teamed up with its Far Eastern friend in a quid pro quo collaboration where it gets two models in return for help in the Indian market where Suzuki rules the roost.

Against the Corolla with its three body styles, two engines and five trim levels the Swace is a bit like a pack of cards without the Ace, king and queen, but along with the big Across SUV, a carbon copy of the Toyota Rav4, it gives the brand more numbers on the road.

There is no shame in sticking a Suzuki badge on the bonnet of a Corolla because the Derby built Toyota is a damn fine car with a proven record for quality and reliability so why not fill your boots.

Suzuki has chosen to take the 1.8 litre petrol hybrid rather than the meaty 2-litre hybrid which could spoil its chances for customers wanting a bit of performance. A sprint to sixty in around 11 seconds is a tad pedestrian these days but the flip side is lower emissions than many rivals and excellent economy, in fact in town driving it is often the electric motor that does the work.

Suzuki claims an average of 64.2mpg and matching that is possible. The delivery driver topped 61mpg on his 160 mile journey, most of which was motorway, while my week's driving mix returned a credible 57mpg.

Like Corolla the gearbox is the automatic CVT transmission which isn't everyone's cup of tea with its mildly annoying whine under acceleration that becomes noisy when pushed to the rev limit. To be fair flat out acceleration is not really the name of the game, so not something to trouble  mum, dad and the children on a trip to the seaside.

And Swace is a good family car. There is room aplenty for three in the back and while boot space is not class leading it is up there with the best. The tailgate opens to a wide unobstructed flat floor with the seats down and there is an option to lower the floor for a bit more carrying capacity.

There are just two trim levels and the entry SZ-T is not left wanting with dual zone automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear camera among the highlights.

Moving up to SZ5 adds keyless entry, park assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, auto dipping LED headlights and a wireless charging pad for a mobile. Doing without these will save £1,800.

There is no onboard navigation but this can be remedied by linking a mobile phone directions app to the eight inch touchscreen via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The screen sits high in the centre of the dashboard, is easy to see and has short cut buttons. The layout is functional rather than fancy but easy to use and heating controls are separate which is always a bonus. The quality of trim is good with a mix of spongy plastic and soft touch fabric.

Driving Swace is neither exciting nor boring, somewhere in the middle, with decent grip should you want to push on. I took a turn in the back to see how the other half live and found the suspension a little unforgiving over poorer surfaces and particularly potholes where the thump goes through the spine.

In reality Swace has a mountain to climb against its Corolla cousin let alone a host of top notch rivals, but here's the thing. If your ideal motor is a 1.8 litre hybrid estate with a good spec, space for five, low running costs, enviable reliability and with a badge less common than a Toyota, Ford or Volkswagen, then why not give this jack of all trades a whirl.

Fast facts

Swace SZ5 CVT auto

£26,299 (SZ-T £24,499)

1.8 litre + electric motor 122bhp

0-62mph 11.1secs; 112mph

64.2mpg combined

99g/km. VED £135

Boot 596-1232 litres

Insurance group 17

Collen Players invite back live audience for music hall show

* A past pre-lockdown music hall show by the Collen Players.

A live audience will be whisked back at least a century next month when Llangollen’s Collen Players stages its latest music hall and variety show.  

The group was formed a couple of years ago by the town’s vicar, Father Lee Taylor, who himself is a big music hall enthusiast, to revive the Victorian-style of entertainment. 

So far its performers have donned their period costumes to present four sell-out shows in the Community Hall which is always dressed for the occasion to recreate the atmosphere of a turn-of-the-century theatre. 

The most recent show was last November whch, due to Covid-19 rules on public gatherings, had to be pre-recorded and then live streamed on the group’s Facebook page. 

But now all restrictions have been lifted it’s time to invite back a live audience to the next lavish production which is on Friday, September 3, again in the Community Hall and starting at 6.30pm. 

Father Lee said: “It will be great to welcome back a real live audience for our latest show because there’s nothing quite like the feedback you get from them. 

“Traditional music hall is all about the audience joining in by singing along and laughing at the jokes and that’s exactly what we’ll be inviting people to do. 

“Myself and all the cast are looking forward to it immensely and can’t wait for the show to begin.” 

Once again Father Lee will chair the evening’s proceedings, introducing the acts and doling out his corny line in banter along with a couple of his own songs. 

Waiting in the wings will be a nine-strong cast – the largest so far - who will present a range of entertainment from period songs and monologues to magic and knock-about comedy. 

They include regulars Gethin Davies, Mike Connolly, Clare Wall, Shea Ferron, Phil Robinson, Neil Barratt and Dave Lyne alongside newcomers Paul Edwards ‘The Welsh Wizard’ and Louise Cielecki.

* Tickets are £15, including supper, and are available by emailing: stcollens@gmail.com

Roadworks alert for Vicarage Road

The following local roadworks alert has come from one.network:

Vicarage Road 18 August — 20 August   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: Boundary box Install 25mm Job in Footway (6mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )...   Works location: OUTSIDE PROPERTY KNOWN AS BRYN HELYG...   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Hafren Dyfrdwy.   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000060404335

Roadworks alert for local trunk routes

Forthcoming roadworks on the nearby Newbridge and Chirk bypasses and the A5 are highlighted in a story on Leaderlive. 

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/19511970.upcoming-roadworks-need-aware-wrexham/

Air ambulance flies into Pengwern Vale

A llanblogger reader sent in this picture of the air ambulance which flew into Pengwern Vale earlier this afternoon where a mountain biking event was taking place.

It is understand the helicopter may not have been needed and that a casualty was eventually taken away in a road ambulance.

llanblogger is currently trying to get further details. 

  

 

St Collen's hosts its annual summer fayre

St Collen's Church had its annual summer fayre this afternoon.

Stalls, including home-made cakes and bric-a-brac, were set up in the church while burgers and other refreshments were available in the nearby community hall.

There was also a raffle with a host of prizes. 

Skates welcomes funding for Llangollen Railway

* Ken Skates MS, left, meets Mark Drakeford on a visit to town.

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates has thanked the Welsh Government for helping get Llangollen Railway back on track.  

The comments came after a recent visit to the popular tourist attraction by Deputy Minister Dawn Bowden and the news that further major funding from the Welsh Government had been confirmed.  

Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “Llangollen Railway is of huge importance locally and attracts visitors from far and wide. It has had unparalleled support from the Welsh Labour Government over the years and I’m delighted and proud that they have once again stepped in with crucial funding. 

“The Trust was given a grant of £147,860 last year and I know there was a lot of clamour locally for even more funding when the railway ran into problems earlier this year.” 

Mr Skates added: “Prior to the Senedd elections in May, while visiting Llangollen, First Minister Mark Drakeford said the Welsh Government would work with local people to help get the railway back up and running if re-elected, so I had every confidence that would be borne out. I would like to thank the First Minister and the Deputy Minister Dawn Bowden for delivering for Llangollen.”  

Shortly after the election, Mr Skates says he made formal representations to the Welsh Government calling for more funding for Llangollen Railway. 

Last month, it was announced a further £143,290 grant had been rubber-stamped to help with running services and restarting operations – taking the financial package to more than £291,000 in the last 12 months alone.  

In the Deputy Minister’s response to Mr Skates, she said: “Thank you for your letter of May 24 regarding support for the Llangollen Railway. Like you, I recognise the important role of the Llangollen Railway as a key tourist attraction and as a precious piece of regional heritage. I was lucky enough to visit the railway last month when I visited north Wales.  

“Last year the Llangollen Railway Trust received a grant of £147,860 from the first round of the Cultural Recovery Fund to support its operations. 

"In the months following the sad announcement that the PLC arm had been placed into administration, officials in Cadw and Visit Wales have maintained contact with the Trustees, receiving updates regarding the progress of their plans to retake full control of the railway and restart operations.  

“On the advice of my officials, the Trustees submitted a request to Welsh Government for support from the second round of the Cultural Recovery Fund. I am pleased to say that having received confirmation from the Trust regarding their progress towards restructuring and restarting operations, we were recently able to issue a grant offer to Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd of £143,290.  

“This money will help the Trust to restart and operate trains during the summer and to help them get themselves on a sound financial footing to manage through the winter. I commend the Board of Trustees for continuing to work so hard to stabilise the organisation and wish them luck with their efforts to restart operations and secure the future of the railway.”

Police make arrest for public order offence in town

Local police have highlighted how they are maintaining public order in Llangollen.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Rich Evans says in a message put out earlier today (Friday) on the new Community Alert network: "We will continue to act robustly against people who engage in disorderly and abusive behaviour in our towns. 

"Last evening a female was arrested for a Public Order offence in Llangollen for being abusive to one of our Police Community Support Officers."

North Wales Community Alert is a free messaging service for people who live, work and visit North Wales.

Registration is completely free, quick and simple. 

North Wales Community Alert also gives you an opportunity to provide feedback to your local neighbourhood police team on the issues that matter most to you.

* For more information and to register for the North Wales Community Alert

New Kia Sorento PHEV punches above its weight

Kia Sorento PHEV drive by Steve Rogers

Meet the Kia Sorento, a big SUV with an even bigger story to tell.

It has been around for 18 years often trying to overcome SUV badge snobbery but version four has smashed it with more style, more quality, more engines, more technology, more space, more everything. Oh, and more money with the entry plug-in hybrid a salty £45, 655 while the range topper is an eye popping £54,000 give or take a few hundred quid.

But is it a bargain for the big bucks?

Built on a new platform Sorento is spacious and can even rub shoulders with SUV royalty like the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90. It has seven seats, not many of those around, and yes, it is a genuine seven seater with the third row able to house a couple of adults.

Even though it is four wheel drive the floor is fairly flat and not compromised by the usual transmission hump so there is no problem fitting three chunky adults across the middle row. Sorento is a little wider than the previous model, and there is a smidgen more head room. With the third row folded the boot is huge, big enough for four large suitcases, apparently, so there is obvious appeal for big families. Drop all the seats, using levers in the side walls and two people could sleep in it, it is that deep and wide.

And third row passengers are well catered for with heating controls and a USB port in each side wall. In fact there are two more cleverly built in to the backs of the front seats and another three more up front.

Entry level 2 does not get on board navigation but you can use an app from an Android Auto or Apple Carplay mobile to get directions on to the car's touchscreen. The only drawback, and it's a silly one, is that the phone, and therefore navigation directions, cannot be paired on the move. I know we are hell bent on safety but why is it necessary to stop a passenger performing the operation.

Apart from navigation and keyless entry the PHEV entry Sorento has just about everything you need and a bit more which is good for those stretching to the top of the budget.

Quality has been improved with upgraded finishes while the only areas still covered in hard plastic are the boot walls although it is easier to clean so maybe it is not such a bad idea.

Dashboard layout is a conventional affair with a clear digital driver's display and an eight inch touchscreen for audio, phone and driver aids, but good old fashioned switches for the heating controls. I am an old fella so this is my kind of dashboard although Sorento does not have the wow factor of the futuristic Peugeot 5008, but I did like the rotary gear selector.

 The sharpness of the reversing camera tells you the graphics could be better and probably are another grade up where the screen is 10.25 inches.

Performance from the turbo charged 1.6 petrol is strong and gets a hefty boost in horse power and torque from the electric motor. A 50-70mph dash takes 5.7 seconds which is impressive for such a big car.

Electric range is 35 miles, I managed a 26 mile cross country round trip and still had electric miles left so not that far off the mark. A full charge from my Podpoint wallbox took three and a half hours.

Anyone wanting to haul a caravan or horsebox is going to be disappointed with the PHEVs paltry 1500kg towing limit but unlike some key rivals Sorento still has a diesel which can pull up to 2500kg. It is also £4k cheaper than the plug-in.

Which car do you choose? Space is the key and how much you need for your family. Both the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are much cheaper, offer seven seats and are better to drive along twisting roads but neither can match the Sorento's living room space or offer a plug-in hybrid.

Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V plug-ins are similarly priced but also fall short of the Kia's space package.

Kia has put down a marker with Sorento which punches above its weight and is even a plausible alternative to more expensive big guns like Discovery or Volvo XC 90. It doesn't have the ultimate quality and finish of the premium SUVs but is not that far away any more.

Fast facts

Sorento 2 PHEV AWD

£46,655

1.6 litre 6sp auto; 261bhp

0-60mph 8.4secs; 119mph

176mpg electric combined

41mpg petrol only

Electric range 35 miles

38g/km. VED zero

Boot 809 litres

Insurance group 33

Railway cancels steam trains for the weekend

Llangollen Railway has made a last minute cancellation of its steam train services for this weekend.

In an announcement last night operations manager Paul Reynolds said: "The loco will not be running over the weekend as its documentation is incomplete and therefore it cannot run."

The railway has explained that scheduled steam services will be taken over by diesel multiple units.  

Steam was due to start running again from today (Friday) until Sunday.

 

MP congratulates Paul Edwards on his 971-mile charity walk

* Paul Edwards and Simon Baynes MP.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes met with Paul Edwards at the Cross Foxes in Penycae as he celebrated the completion of his sponsored walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Hope House Hospice.

During the course of his walk, Mr Edwards completed on average 25 miles a day dressed as the Marvel character Deadpool in honour of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's takeover of Wrexham AFC.

He had prepared for the solo and unsupported 971-mile hike with a gruelling 24-week training schedule. 

And his last epic trek in 2019 from Scotland to Wales, took him to the three peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden, before arriving home in Penycae. 

Mr Edwards, who has been fundraising for various different charities for over 20 years, set a target of raising £10,000 from his walk for Hope House, but he has spectacularly exceeded this figure, raising an amazing £14,000 so far. 

Donations can still be made to Paul’s Just Giving page on: www.justgiving/fundraising/paul-edwards1000mileshike.

Paul Edwards said: “I have had some incredible experiences on this challenge, but throughout the journey, the one thing that will forever stay in my memory is the kindness, generosity and support of the British people. 

"From the Northernmost tip of the country to the southernmost, I had such a fantastic response from people I met. 

"Whether it was to ask me into their homes for a cup of coffee, stopping their cars to offer me a bottle of water and something to eat, stopping to chat about what I was doing or just beeping the horns and waving as they drove by, the people of Britain are amazing and this is reflected in the wonderful amount of money raised so far.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “Having completed many events and challenges for various charities in the past, this was the biggest by far for Paul, who pushed himself to the limit to achieve a fantastic result for Hope House Hospice. 

"I would like to join everyone else who has praised Paul for his selfless charity work – which he also self-funds so that every penny raised goes to the hospice. He is a local hero in Penycae and I know that his family, friends and neighbours will all be tremendously proud of what he has achieved. Many congratulations, Paul!”

Denbighshire congratulates pupils on GCSE results

Denbighshire County Council is congratulating pupils receiving their GCSE results.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to congratulate all pupils getting their GCSE results.

“This last year has presented significant challenges for learners and they have made a tremendous effort to achieve their results, they have worked very hard to get here.

“There has been some fantastic partnership working to ensure students achieved the best results and pupils have received support from their families and schools. I would like to thank all those who have supported our hard-working students this last year.

“We would like to wish all learners the very best in their next steps.”

* The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, has congratulated learns on their GCSE achievements.Share this page via

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• There were 328,658 summer GCSE entries this year, a rise of 8.6% compared to 2020.
• 29% of entries achieved an A* or A, with 74% receiving between A*- C.
• 98% of entries resulted in a pass between grades A*-G.

This year’s assessment and qualification process has been different to previous years, as examinations for summer 2021 were cancelled in response to the pandemic. A new system was designed and delivered by schools and colleges, drawing on a range of assessment evidence to determine learners’ grades.

The Welsh Government provided an additional £9m to support schools and colleges in the delivery of this year’s assessments. £26m was provided to ensure students could complete their vocational qualifications and colleges could continue to deliver practical sessions this year. 

The Minister visited Ysgol Glan Clwyd, in Denbighshire, where he met pupils collecting their GCSE grades.

Jeremy Miles said: "Our priority this year has been to put a system in place so that learners receive grades based on evidence of their work and enables them to progress to the next stage of their education, training or work with confidence.

"My message to this year’s GCSE students is a huge ‘well done’. You’ve had everything thrown at you over the last 18 months – periods in lockdown, time away from your friends and families, and times where you’ve missed out on many of the social activities you should be enjoying. You’ve shown tremendous resilience to overcome all of these challenges.

"I also want to congratulate learners on their vocational qualification results. Skills in priority sectors are vitally important in meeting the range of needs of the Welsh economy, now more than ever, and your hard-earned qualifications will put you in good stead for the future.

"It’s also been a remarkable achievement by all the school and college staff who’ve worked so hard to enable qualifications this year. It’s been an almighty task to put measures in place so that learners could get their results, like any other year. You should be very proud of the work you have done to help our learners progress."