THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN joined students from schools across Pembrokeshire for a careers event aimed at inspiring the next generation of workers in the region.

The event, organised by the SPARC Alliance, took place at the Canolfan Arloesedd y Bont / Bridge Innovation Centre. Pupils were given the opportunity to learn about a range of career opportunities available at the port and the wider maritime sector.

Representing the Port of Milford Haven were Pilot Jamie Furlong, Project Manager Claire Lawrence, Environmental & Sustainability Assistant Bethan Davie, HR Director Vidette Swales and Stakeholder Engagement Executive Emily Jones.

Students spoke directly with the team about different roles within the organisation and the skills needed to work in areas such as shipping operations, project management, environmental work and stakeholder engagement.

The Port thanked the SPARC Alliance for hosting the event and said supporting initiatives that connect young people with employers and highlight opportunities in Pembrokeshire is something it is proud to be part of.

THE UK DEPUTY Prime Minister Angela Rayner visited Cardiff on Friday (Mar 13) alongside Justice Secretary David Lammy as part of a visit focused on community safety, probation services and cooperation between the UK and Welsh governments.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister travelled to the Dusty Forge community hub in Ely, where she met members of the public involved in local community projects.

The centre provides a base for a range of services aimed at strengthening community ties and helping people rebuild their lives. Rayner also met staff from the Probation Service who work from the hub, discussing their role in supporting offenders back into society and helping reduce reoffending.

While at the centre, the Deputy Prime Minister spoke with local campaigner Donna Hurley, often referred to locally as the “Queen of Ely”. Their conversation focused on the importance of community cohesion and the role community hubs can play in supporting people leaving prison to turn their backs on crime.

Following the visit to Ely, Rayner travelled to the Senedd in Cardiff Bay where she was given a tour of the Welsh Parliament building.

She later held talks with Huw Irranca-Davies MS, the Deputy First Minister of Wales.

The meeting centred on how the governments in London and Cardiff can work together more closely to improve public services and create a more effective and fair justice system.

Discussions also touched on cooperation around probation services and youth justice, areas where responsibilities between the UK and Welsh governments intersect.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the two governments on issues affecting communities across Wales.

Licensing authority declines to comment as police confirm attendance at Carmarthenshire rescue centre

AN INVESTIGATION is underway following a visit by licensing inspectors to the premises of one of the UK’s largest dog rescue organisations.

Authorities attended Many Tears Animal Rescue on Tuesday (Mar 10), with Dyfed-Powys Police confirming officers were present during the visit in a supporting role.

Police stressed that their officers were not leading the operation and were only present to prevent any breach of the peace.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “Officers attended the premises in a supporting capacity only, to prevent any breach of the peace. The visit took place without any need of police involvement or intervention.”

Enquiries about the purpose of the visit were directed to Animal Licensing Wales, the body responsible for overseeing animal establishment licensing across Wales.

When contacted by The Herald, Animal Licensing Wales confirmed it could not comment further.

In a statement, the organisation said: “We are unable to comment on this matter due to an ongoing investigation.”

The RSPCA Cymru has also confirmed it was not involved in the visit.

An RSPCA spokesperson told The Herald: “The RSPCA did not attend this premises on March 10 so did not participate in any visit that took place.”

Many Tears Animal Rescue, based in Carmarthenshire, is one of the largest dog rescue charities operating in the UK and is known for rescuing and rehoming thousands of dogs each year.

Founded by Sylvia and Bill Van Atta, the organisation operates from the former Cawdor Kennels site, which it purchased in 2004. The centre houses large numbers of rescue dogs while also working with foster carers who temporarily care for animals before they are placed in permanent homes.

The organisation takes in animals from a variety of sources, including commercial breeding establishments and other rescues, before placing them with new owners across the country.

Animal Licensing Wales operates under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021, which require organisations involved in activities such as animal boarding, breeding, and rehoming to meet strict standards relating to animal welfare, veterinary care, record-keeping, and the management of animals kept at licensed premises.

The nature of the investigation has not yet been disclosed.

Many Tears Animal Rescue has built a significant following among dog adopters across the UK, regularly rehoming animals rescued from breeding establishments, pounds and other rescue organisations. The Carmarthenshire centre is widely known among rescue supporters and veterinary volunteers, with many dogs travelling to new homes across Britain after being rehabilitated at the site.

Investigations involving animal licensing authorities can include inspections of facilities, checks on welfare standards, and reviews of record keeping and veterinary care arrangements. Under Welsh regulations, organisations involved in activities such as boarding, breeding or rehoming animals must meet strict licensing conditions designed to safeguard animal welfare.

The story will be updated if further information becomes available.