BBC Cymru Wales has launched a new development fund aimed at creating bold, original factual entertainment content for younger digital audiences.

The Format Fund will support five independent production companies, with each receiving £7,000 to develop an original pilot designed specifically for YouTube-first viewers aged 16 to 24.

The initiative is intended to encourage creative risk-taking and explore what the next generation of factual entertainment could look like in a digital-first media landscape.

BBC Cymru Wales says it is looking for ideas that move away from traditional television production models and instead embrace YouTube-native storytelling, with clear concepts, strong pacing, repeatable formats and striking visuals that quickly capture attention.

Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales said: “As part of a busy summer of piloting and commissioning YouTube content of all shapes and sizes across scripted and unscripted we’re delighted to be heading into this super fun genre.

“We’d love to be in a world where we can scale up these fact-ent pilots into something for the whole of the BBC to enjoy – wishing everyone all the best as they get stuck into it.”

Successful ideas could be developed further with BBC Cymru Wales, with the potential to become returning digital series.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, July 3.

A LOS ANGELES-bound passenger jet made an unexpected U-turn over Pembrokeshire after developing a suspected landing gear problem while crossing UK airspace.

The Airbus A330, operating as LEVEL/Iberia flight IB2623 from Barcelona to Los Angeles, was tracked circling off the Pembrokeshire coast on Monday (June 8), leaving aviation watchers puzzled as it appeared to abandon its transatlantic journey.

Flight tracking data showed the aircraft, registration EC-ODA, making a looping manoeuvre west of Pembrokeshire before heading back south towards Spain.

The jet had already travelled more than 1,200 kilometres and had been airborne for almost two hours when the unusual turn took place.

Aviation incident reports suggest the crew detected a suspected undercarriage or tyre-related problem involving the aircraft’s nose landing gear.

Rather than diverting to a UK airport, the crew opted to return to Barcelona, where the aircraft landed safely. Reports indicate emergency services were placed on standby as a precaution.

Experts say long-haul aircraft bound for destinations such as Los Angeles often carry heavy fuel loads, meaning pilots may choose to enter a holding pattern while assessing a fault and preparing for a safe return to base.

The sight of the large aircraft circling near Pembrokeshire sparked interest among flight trackers, with many noticing the unusual route on Flightradar24.

No injuries have been reported.

Tracked over Pembrokeshire: The Airbus A330 was seen looping near the county before returning to Barcelona following reports of a suspected landing gear issue (Pic: Flightradar24).

NEW figures suggest people in Wales are more likely than anywhere else in Britain to recognise that alcohol can be addictive.

A YouGov survey found that 86% of respondents in Wales described alcohol as addictive, compared with 78% across Britain.

The figure was higher than Scotland at 83%, the North and Midlands at 81%, the South at 77%, and London at 69%.

Health experts said the findings showed strong public awareness in Wales, but warned that knowledge alone may not prevent risky drinking, particularly during the summer months.

Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, said alcohol remained deeply embedded in British social life.

She said: “Alcohol occupies a unique place in British culture because it is both legal and socially encouraged, which can make it difficult for people to recognise when their relationship with drinking is beginning to change.

“What’s particularly interesting is that most people understand alcohol can be addictive, yet many still underestimate how easily regular drinking can become habitual.”

The NHS advises adults not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis, spread over three or more days, with alcohol-free days included.

Dr Faulkner said summer events, holidays, festivals, barbecues, pub gardens and sporting occasions could make drinking feel more routine.

She added: “Dependence often develops gradually and doesn’t always fit the stereotypes people associate with addiction.

“The challenge isn’t necessarily a lack of awareness about alcohol’s risks. It’s recognising when a socially accepted habit has crossed the line into something that’s beginning to have a negative impact on your health, wellbeing or daily life.”

People trying to cut back are advised to plan alcohol-free days, alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, set limits before social events, try low or no-alcohol alternatives, and keep track of weekly intake.

Support is available in Wales through DAN 24/7, the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline, on 0808 808 2234.