Talented group voices passion in superb La Traviata

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* Scenes from La Traviata at the Stiwt.

A group of talented people passionate about classical singing are set to bring one of the world’s greatest operas stunningly to life at the Stiwt in Wrexham later this week.

Under the expert direction of international opera professionals Anne Williams King and David Bartlett, the group from the acclaimed North Wales Opera Studio (NWOS) will present Verdi's tragic love story La Traviata in the fittingly ornate setting of the  Rhos theatre tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday evenings (April 28 and 29) then at St George’s Hall, Liverpool in the afternoon and evening of Saturday, April 30.  

I was able to catch a preview performance at the Stiwt and was highly impressed with the sheer professionalism of the presentation, which enjoys the deft touch of Janet Haney as music director and accompanist, joined by a small instrumental ensemble. Choreography is in the experienced hands of Lyn Aston.

The unfunded NWOS is an educational group for young aspiring opera singers to train and get excellent performing experience. It also encourages local people to be involved who want to be part of a top-class venture.

The group returns to the Stiwt after its successful Night at the Opera concert there last month and la Boheme last September.

Anne Williams King said: “We are providing an opportunity for those who appreciate opera, to see impressive, traditional productions with young exciting singers, without having to travel miles and pay huge prices for tickets.

“I'm trying to build a following in the area and encourage people to come and support us and the Stiwt Theatre.”

Judging by the sheer power and majesty of their La Traviata, which is played out in its original language, the success story of NWOS looks set to continue. 

Featuring one of the most iconic, romantic and tragic scores of all time, Verdi’s masterpiece contrasts spectacular party scenes with tender, intimate moments.

It tells the story of the tragic love between the courtesan Violetta and the romantic Alfredo Germont.

Played out against the hypocrisy of upper-class fashionable, Alfredo and Violetta’s love threatens to shame his family.

When his father directly appeals to Violetta to give up her one chance of happiness Violetta submits but her act of self-sacrifice leads to her paying the ultimate price.

NWOS has two alternating casts for the lavish production. 

In the version I saw Violetta was played with power yet tenderness by Australian soprano Joelene Griffiths who stepped into the challenging role at virtually the last minute after the person originally due to appear in it was forced to withdraw due to an injury.

Luckily, Joelene had become familiar with the part while studying at the Welsh Academy of the Voice in Cardiff and was able to seamlessly take it on.

Playing opposite her as Alfredo, with great aplomb, was tenor Lewis Quinn. He presented a marvellous portrayal, his strong, clear voice dominating the auditorium.  

Appearing as Giorgio Germont, Alfredo's father, was Ambrose Connelly. He brought true gravitas and authority to the demanding role.

The chorus was simply superb and memorable for its sheer supportive power.

Music accompaniment was more than capably provided, costumes were dazzling and settings arranged to perfection.

This not-to-be-missed production is a true extravaganza of musical exuberance and acting skill.    

* Tickets for NWOS’s La Traviata are available at: https://www.northwalesopera.co.uk/upcoming

Council apologises for postal voting information error

Denbighshire County Council is apologising to postal voters in the county for an error in an information sheet recently issued with postal ballot papers. 

The information sheet referred to the wrong ballot papers. In addition, the information sheet informed voters that they can vote for one candidate only which is clearly incorrect for multi-member wards and for Town and Community Council elections. 

The postal vote packs contain the correct ballot papers for each voter. There is no error on the ballot papers- they are printed correctly and contain appropriate instructions to voters on the number of votes that they may cast. 

The Council has posted the correct information sheet on its website and has contacted 6,900 postal voters and a further 285 people through text messaging, advising them of the error on the information sheet. Importantly, the Council is also sending a letter in the post to all those who have received a postal vote to correct the information initially received. All candidates standing for election are also being sent a letter. 

Graham Boase, Denbighshire’s Chief Executive and Returning Officer said: “We sincerely apologise to all the candidates in the forthcoming elections and all those members of the public who requested a postal vote for this error.  

“Whilst it is clear on each of the ballot papers how many votes can made per ballot sheet, the information sheet accompanying the ballot paper provides incorrect information, which may understandably have led to some confusion. 

“Immediately following the error coming to light we took every mitigating action we possibly could.  We sought advice from the Electoral Commission and the Association of Electoral Administrators and we sent an e-mail and text message to every postal voter that had provided us those details.  Information also appeared on the Council’s website and through its social media channels to provide similar information and advice. Importantly we are also sending a letter through the post to everyone who requested a postal vote advising them of the error. 

“Since the error came to light I have carefully considered our response and believe that, given the ballot papers contain the correct instructions to voters, the package of mitigation measures is appropriate in all the circumstances. 

The Elections Unit reiterates that postal voters should follow the instructions on the ballot papers and ensure that their postal votes are returned to the Elections Unit before 10pm on Thursday, 5^th May 2022. 

* Further information is available from the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/elections.  If any postal voter believes that they have already returned their postal pack and have followed the incorrect information, they may, if they wish, ask for a replacement pack by contacting the Election Unit on 01824 706000 (Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm) or by e-mail at the following address elections@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Llangollen college learners earn awards

* Emma Roberts and Caitlin Mann with their awards.

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

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

Nineteen year-old Caitlin 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

Roadworks alert for Willow Street

 

The latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Willow Street, Llangollen 27 April - 29 April   Delays likely - Road closure   Description: Surface course road treatment...   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 Denbighshire County Council.   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR007S000000000557

Police warn about Llan catalytic convertor thefts

Police have warned Llangollen residents about the theft of catalytic convertors from their vehicles. 

Using the Neighbourhood Alert network, PCSO Karl Joseph of Conwy & Denbigh Rural says: "Please be aware of reports of catalytic converter thefts from the Llangollen area in the last couple of weeks. 

"The latest being within the last three days. Cars that are being targeted are mostly Japanese models.

"Could I ask that if anyone is seen to be acting suspiciously around vehicles to contact police on either 101 or 999 if a theft is occurring there and then.  

"Could I also ask that you use caution and keep yourself safe if you or anyone approaches someone attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle. Don't put yourself at risk. 

"If anyone would like a Smart Water Pen Kit to mark their catalytic converters, then please contact me at Llangollen Police Station and I will look at getting one to you."

Special events day marks Ladies' crafting

Plas Newydd has a new site-specific exhibition launching next Saturday, April 30 inspired by the crafting intimacies of the Ladies of Llangollen. 

The day will include a symposium at The Hand Hotel, a visit to St Collen’s Church where Eleanor Butler, Sarah Ponsonby and Mary Carryl are buried and a private view of the exhibition with drinks reception at Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens. 

The exhibition, entitled Beloved: Crafting Intimacies with the Ladies of Llangollen, has been created by Manchester-based artist Sarah-Joy Ford after a period of artist residency at Plas Newydd. 

She says the embroidered intervention is inspired by the deep and lifelong intimate relationship between the Ladies and the extraordinary home that they created together, as well as Sarah Ponsonby’s own creative practices undertaken in the home.

The day will include a symposium hosted by Queer Research Network Manchester with three speakers at The Hand Hotel, a visit to St Collen’s Church and a private view of the exhibition with drinks reception at Plas Newydd.

Sarah-Joy Ford said: "Queer Research Network Manchester is an inter-disciplinary research network that aims to bring together researchers working with queer themes across the Manchester universities. We host regular discussion and reading groups for PhD students and organise bi-monthly events and speakers.

"This project is funded by the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership through their Researcher-Led Knowledge Exchange scheme, with support from the Arts and Humanities Research Council."

Timetable of Events

Date: Saturday, April 30:

Beloved Symposium: Talks from Professor Alison Oram, Dr Freya Growley and & Sarah-Joy Ford Time: 2-4pm.

Location: The Hand Hotel, Bridge Street, Llangollen LL20 8PL.

Guided Visit to the grave of Eleanor Butler, Sarah Ponsonby and Mary Caryl: Time: 4pm - 5pm.

Location: St Collen’s Church, 8 Church St, Llangollen LL20 8HU.

Exhibition Private View and Drinks Reception

Time: 6.30pm - 10pmLocation: Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens, Hill St, Llangollen LL20 8AW.

* You can find the full details on the Eventbrite page here https://beloved-plas-newydd.eventbrite.co.uk

Elections watchdog advises county over postal votes mistake

Polling watchdog the Electoral Commission is advising Denbighshire County Council on how to deal with a situation which has developed after it sent out the wrong advice to postal voters, llanblogger has discovered.

As we reported yesterday, the council told voters in a message last Friday that they would only be able to vote for one candidate in the county and community/town council elections on May 5.

However, in a number of wards of Denbighshire - including Llangollen - there is more than one seat to fill.

On Saturday evening the council put up a message on its website apologising for "any confusion" and stressing that in all cases the instructions on the individual ballot papers was correct and would indicate clearly how many votes may be marked. 

It also pointed people towards the council website to get more advice.

This is: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/your-council/voting-and-elections/county-council-elections-local-elections.aspx  or from the Elections Unit on 01824 706000 (Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm), e:mail:  elections@denbighshire.gov.uk

Yesterday afternoon llanblogger asked the Electoral Commission to confirm whether it was involved with the matter.

And a spokesperson said: "We are aware of the issue relating to an incorrect information sheet included within postal voting packs.

"It is important to note that the instruction on the ballot papers themselves is accurate.

"We are in contact with the local authority to provide advice, and understand that they are taking steps to correct this error and issuing new information to affected voters.”

Denbighshire County Council has been asked to comment.

It is understood that a number of county candidates have expressed concern about the situation and how it could affect the result of the election.

In Llangollen there are two county council seats in contention with six candidates standing for them.

The candidates are:

* Butters Dawn Welsh, Conservative Party 

* Davies Stuart Arthur, Independent  

* Edwards Karen Anne, Independent 

* Jarvis Roger Welsh. Conservative Party 

* Keddie Paul, Independent 

* Marshall Sarah, Wales Green Party 

There will be no election on May 5 for Llangollen Town Council as only six candidates were announced for the 11 vacant seats. The remaining five seats will therefore have to be filled by co-option.

County council admits error in information about postal voting

Denbighshire County Council has apologised for any confusion caused by an error in information it has sent out about postal voting for the forthcoming elections.

It is understood that this information was received by local voters on Friday ahead of the elections on May 5.

But on its website early yesterday (Saturday) evening it posted: "We recently sent out all the relevant information to all those residents in Denbighshire who requested a postal vote in the forthcoming local government elections.

"Unfortunately, the information sheet in the pack contained an error, as it incorrectly stated that voters could vote for no more than one candidate. 

"However, in some county wards and for town and community elections voters may be eligible to vote for more than one candidate.

"In all cases the instructions on the individual ballot papers are correct and indicate clearly how many votes may be marked.

"If you are voting by post, please follow the instructions on the ballot paper.

"Further information is available here: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/your-council/voting-and-elections/county-council-elections-local-elections.aspx  or from the Elections Unit on 01824 706000 (Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm), e:mail:  elections@denbighshire.gov.uk

"We are sorry for any confusion the error on the information sheet may have caused."

In Llangollen there are two county council seats in contention with six candidates standing for them.

The candidates are:

* Butters Dawn Welsh, Conservative Party 

* Davies Stuart Arthur, Independent  

* Edwards Karen Anne, Independent 

* Jarvis Roger Welsh. Conservative Party 

* Keddie Paul, Independent 

* Marshall Sarah, Wales Green Party 

There will be no election on May 5 for Llangollen Town Council as only six candidates were announced for the 11 vacant seats. The remaining five seats will therefore have to be filled by co-option.

Work planned for next week on 2020 project

Work planned for the forthcoming week on the town's 2020 project is:

• Paving outside the Town Hall
• Begin paving on the west side of the bridge
• Drainage works on the south side of Mill Street

Roadworks alert for Regent Street

 

The following local roadworks alert has been issued by one.network:

Regent Street, Denbighshire 25 April - 27 April   Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Description: LAY NEW GAS 5M PUBLIC...   Works location: OUTSIDE NUMBER 20   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: XY254004000173258

Custodians of Dee Valley exhibition on display

* An example of the Custodians of Dee Valley exhibition.

An outdoor exhibition focusing on the ‘Custodians’ of the Dee Valley landscape is  on display in the area.

As part of Our Picturesque Landscape, the National Lottery Heritage Funded project in the Dee Valley, artists in residence Jessica and Philip Hatcher-Moore have interviewed and photographed local caretakers of the landscape.

Jessica has written vignettes about each person while Philip has taken portraits of them. These have been combined on exhibition boards to be displayed in the landscape.

Five of these boards were displayed at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve throughout October 2021 and now the full exhibition of ten boards is on display along the footpath between Berwyn station and the Chain Bridge, Llangollen.

The railway would also like to feature the exhibition at their launch event in Corwen when the station opens formally later in the year.

The exhibition will be displayed at other locations within the Dee Valley in the coming months. This partnership working will allow more people, both locals and visitors to the area, to engage with the images and stories curated by the Hatcher-Moores during their residency.

Jessica said: “I think wherever you live there is going to be an extraordinary cast of characters around you, but that feels particularly true here in the Dee Valley. As our stories show, the dramatic landscape of the area has been inspiring people for centuries, and it’s been such a joy to explore the impact it continues to have on people today.

“The biggest thing that emerged for me from these stories is how the community spirit is very much still alive in the Dee Valley – and how the landscape, with its rich social and natural history, supports it.

“We are very hugely grateful to the Our Picturesque Landscape and National Lottery Heritage Fund for giving us the opportunity to explore these stories."

“Exhibiting these photographs outdoors, in the landscape in which they were shot, adds another dimension to the work, with the interplay of light and shadows dancing across the images,” said photographer Philip Hatcher-Moore who specialises in outdoor installations of his work.

Phil Coles, Chairman Llangollen Railway Trust, said: “Llangollen Railway is very pleased to be helping the local AONB in this project and we hope this helps tourists to the area to understand more about the beautiful Dee Valley."

Town's 2020 Project is within budget, says county council

Denbighshire County Council has given llanblogger a progress report on the town's ongoing 2020 Project, explaining that it is "within budget" and due to finish by the end of next month.

There has been speculation locally that the scheme to widen pavements on Castle Street along with other modifications to the traffic system was running over budget and also behind schedule.

When llanblogger posed these questions to the council, a spokesperson responded: “The Llangollen 2020 Improvement project, which started in October, is being undertaken by Denbighshire County Council in partnership with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales.

“The project is within budget and due to be completed by the end of May.

“The scheme was developed following extensive consultation with the local community, local county councillors and Llangollen Town Council and aims to improve pedestrian access to the town as well as improving the flow of vehicles.

“This work provides more space for pedestrians and improved pedestrian crossing facilities making it easier for pedestrians to walk around the town centre, while upgraded traffic signals will improve the flow of vehicles.”

When work on the scheme began last October, the council said that it would take up to six months to complete. 

New High Sheriff pledges to help keep youngsters on right path

* The new High Sheriff of Clwyd, Zoë Henderson, at her Declaration at Nantclwyd y Dre, in Ruthin.

The new High Sheriff of Clwyd has pledged to work with schools across North East Wales to help keep young people on the straight and narrow.

Zoë Henderson, 60, a former executive with the giant US-based Dow Chemical Corporation, has hit the ground running by arranging a series of meetings with head teachers at the area’s secondary schools.

She held the Declaration to begin her year in office at historic 15^th century Nantclwyd y Dre, in her home town of Ruthin.

Her own education began at Llanbedr village school in the Vale of Clwyd before going on to Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin and she joined Dow after graduating from Wye College, part of London University, with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

She spent many years in sales and marketing roles across the USA and latterly back in Europe before stepping down from Dow, buying the family farmhouse, historic Caerfallen near Ruthin, from her parents and restoring it.

Zoë said: “I plan to take a particular interest in what causes young people to get into trouble with the law and what can be done to prevent this.

“The last thing you want is for a child in their teens looking forward to a wonderful life in the world of work to then see that future blighted by involvement in some sort of crime.

“I was very inspired recently by a visit to my old school, Brynhyfryd, to discuss local issues and I’m looking forward to visiting other Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham schools to discuss the issues faced by young people.”

She succeeds former Airbus UK executive Steve Thomas, from St Asaph, but the origins of the office date back to Saxon times when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown.

The Queen appoints the high sheriff of each county of England and Wales by ‘pricking the vellum’, a custom dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I who signified assent by piercing the vellum or parchment by each name and signing the document.

It was in the reign of Elizabeth I that Zoë’s home at Caerfallen was built as the residence of Robert Turbridge, an earlier royal appointment as Baron Exchequer of North Wales with the job of collecting the taxes in recognition of his “constant diligence about the Queen’s affairs in said counties.”

Her duties as High Sheriff will also include supporting the Lord Lieutenant, Henry Fetherstonhaugh, in the event of any Royal visits to North East Wales and to sitting with and supporting judges and magistrates.

Her involvement in legal affairs will be supported by the Under-Sheriff of Clwyd, Sarah Noton, Managing Director of North Wales and Cheshire law firm Swayne Johnson.

Zoë added: “The official charity of High Sheriffs is Crimebeat and Crimebeat North Wales celebrates 20 years this year and in that time has issued grants worth more than £130,000 to projects mostly run by young people and aimed at cutting crime, supporting the victims of crime and improving life in communities across North Wales.

“I want to continue that work and also from my business background ask if we can promote that work better and do some things differently which might be more effective.

“I think I can do that and it gives me a real focus on ensuring that Crimebeat is fit for the future and for the differing needs of different parts of North Wales.”

Zoë, a keen horsewoman who has ridden all her life including during her time in the USA where she lived in Indiana in the Mid West, has kept busy since leaving Dow, first on the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board and more recently on the Board of Natural Resources Wales as well as doing business consultancy work.

She has also been gradually restoring Grade Two Star-listed Caerfallen and its buildings, including a 16^th century barn which is now a beautifully appointed holiday property.

* For more information on the office of High Sheriff of Clwyd go to https://highsheriffs.com/clwyd/ and for the work of Crimebeat North Wales go to http://www.crimebeatnorthwales.co.uk/

Collen Players' next variety and music hall show is May 6

* The cast of the last Collen Players' show in March.

The first acts have been announced for The Collen Players' next variety and music hall show.

Due to be held in St Collen's Community Hall on Friday May 6, The Good Old Days will transport the audience back in time to a place where a selection of acts will recreate the rumbustious Victorian music hall of the naughty 1890s.

Chairing the proceedings as usual will be Father Lee Taylor, who is an aficionado of this form of vintage entertainment and originally put together The Collen Players to present the very first Llangollen music hall just a couple of years ago.

So far announced as appearing in a bill of comedy, sing-a-long, dance and tribute acts are Mike Connolly, Alison Jarvis, John Williams, Phil Robinson and speciality act Colin Bourdeic.

There will be a special prize for best dressed Victorian in the audience.

* The show begins at 6.30pm and tickets, priced at £15 and including supper, are available by calling

01978 861768, or emailing stcollens@gmail.com

More night works to take place in Castle Street

* The recent re-surfacing work in Castle Street.

Denbighshire Count Council has announced that night works are due to take place in Llangollen as part of the town’s major public realm improvement project.

Work to re-surface Castle Street from Market Street junction up to and including the Mill Street/Abbey Road junction will take place between May 3 and May 20, excluding weekends, between 6pm to 12am, Monday to Friday.

The re-surfacing works have to be conducted under a road closure, says the council. 

It explains: "Consideration was given to other options, such as undertaking the work during the day or conducting a shorter series of night time closures.

"However, it was determined these options would not be feasible for safety reasons and because, in the case of the shorter series of night time works, they would cause more disturbance to residents.

"The council would like to thank residents for their understanding during this period."

Families urged to join scheme for free healthy food

A Welsh Government minister is encouraging eligible families to sign up for Healthy Start to get healthy food and vitamins for free.

Families can get a pre-paid card that is topped up every 4 weeks with credit to buy healthy food - fruit, vegetables, pulses and milk and infant formula. They can also get free Healthy Start vitamins.

Currently, nearly 40% of people within Wales who are eligible for the scheme are not claiming it.

Healthy Start is available to those who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, and are in receipt of certain benefits. From the 10th week of pregnancy until a child turns 4, you could be entitled to more than £1,200 to spend on healthy food.

Healthy Start cards can be used in retailers that sell food and accept MasterCard.

They can be used to buy:

• cow’s milk
• fresh, frozen and tined fruit and vegetables
• dried and tinned pulses
• first infant formula milk

You can also collect free Healthy Start vitamins. Taking certain vitamins during pregnancy and in early childhood improves both mothers’ and children’s health – just ask your midwife or health visitor for advice on where to get them.

Flintshire mum-of-two Emma already benefits from Healthy Start. Emma was told about the scheme by her partner’s mother.

Following the birth of her first child, she began accessing the scheme in 2019 and then again after her second child was born. Emma says the Healthy Start Scheme has helped financially and encouraged her to buy healthy foods.

To make the most of her allowance, which is automatically added to her card every four weeks, Emma  said: "My tip would be to organise and plan ahead what meals you are going to make for the family. I use fresh fruit and vegetables, but I also use frozen and tinned fruit and vegetable so we can always have some in the meals we make. I always use my Healthy Start allocation to buy these foods."

Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Lynne Neagle said: "Typically four in ten people in Wales who could be receiving Healthy Start have not yet applied. I would urge people who think they may qualify to apply on line. Sadly, the increased cost of living is affecting so many families in Wales and across the UK, and I want to ensure that people are aware of Healthy Start and making use of the scheme to help them buy healthy food for their families."

* To find out if you’re eligible visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk.