News
Injured seal is 50th rescued this year by RSPCA

A SEAL with a severe eye injury is the 50th rescued by the RSPCA in the south west and west Wales region this season.
RSPCA Cymru was alerted after the lethargic seal was spotted struggling to move on Aberystwyth beach on Saturday (Dec 8).
The seal was stranded on a busy area of the beach, and was safely moved by experienced seal handlers before being collected by the RSPCA.
Fortunately, the seal is responding well to treatment and is currently being cared for at RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton.
The seal’s eye is not missing as first thought – but the eyeball has sunken very far back into the eye socket. Her body condition is thin, and she has a severe mouth infection.
She has been nicknamed Platypus – after a drive at the centre to name all incoming seals after non-native species of mammals.
Ellie West, RSPCA animal collection officer, said: “This poor, sweet-natured seal was in a bad way, with a nasty, damaged eye. Fortunately, she is now in our care and we hope will be safely returned to the wild in the future.
“It is unusual to deal with wildlife where we are able to remove an eye and then release them to the wild – but this is possible; and we do have evidence that seals can do well even when this is the case.
“Our team in Taunton will work hard to rehabilitate Platypus and hopefully secure another happy ending for the RSPCA and wild animals in need.”
Platypus’ rescue is the latest in another “very busy seal season” for the RSPCA in south west and west Wales.
ACO West added: “Platypus marks the fiftieth seal to be rescued by us in the South West and West of Wales this season.
“Last season, Ophelia and Brian storms meant we had to rescue more than 100 – and though the number is likely to be a little lower this time around; it has still been another very busy seal season and a huge test for our officers in this part of the UK.
“RSPCA Cymru is here to help, and we always remind anyone who sees a pup whose mother hasn’t returned within 24 hours, is on a public beach, or seems sick or injured, to contact our 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999. An unhealthy seal pup looks thin – but not bony – with a visible neck, like a dog.
“It’s important the public never approach seals and keep any dogs well away and on a lead, as wild animals can have a nasty bite.”
Should you wish to help RSPCA Cymru complete rescues such as these, you can donate online.
Crime
Tenby man charged after robbery incident

A MAN is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court next month after being charged in connection with a late-night incident in Tenby town centre.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that no one was injured during the disturbance, which took place at a restaurant in Tudor Square on the evening of Sunday, March 30.
Mohammed Miah, aged 44, has been charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and criminal damage.
He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, May 2.
Farming
Pembrokeshire Show elects first joint presidents

DAIRY FARMERS TIM AND MARGARET JOHNS HONOURED BY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
HAVERFORDWEST dairy farmers Tim and Margaret Johns have been unanimously elected as the first joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.
The couple, who farm at Pencnwc in partnership with their son Graham, represent the third generation of their family to work the land. Their 550-acre holding in Castlemorris includes dairy cattle and the cultivation of both winter and spring cereals.
Margaret and Tim have a long-standing association with the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show. Margaret, in particular, has achieved considerable success in equestrian showing at events including Royal Windsor, the Great Yorkshire Show, and the Royal Cornwall Show. She also founded and continues to run Castlemorris Equestrian and Pet Supplies from the farm.
Speaking following their appointment, Tim said: “Margaret and I work as a partnership. The County Show is a major part of Pembrokeshire and is an integral part of farming in the county. We are looking forward to the year ahead. We have chosen RABI and the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society as our charities to support over the next 12 months.”
During the Society’s Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Pembrokeshire Showground, Mr and Mrs James Evans were voted in as Presidents Elect.
Other appointments for 2025 include Miss Alys Owens, who was named as the Society’s Ambassador. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest and works for Castell Howell, is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She served as Club Secretary last year, a role for which she was named Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented musician, Alys plays the cornet with Goodwick Brass Band.
Outgoing President Adam Thorne used the occasion to thank all those who had supported him during his term in office.
Alys Owens, the 2025 Ambassador, is pictured between Margaret and Tim Johns, the 2025/26 Joint Presidents.
News
Casualty airlifted after fall on rocks at Manorbier

A PERSON was flown to hospital with a suspected broken ankle after falling on rocks at Manorbier on Sunday afternoon (April 13).
Emergency services were called shortly after 1:30pm, with Tenby RNLI, the Wales Air Ambulance, land paramedics, and coastguard teams from Tenby and St Govans attending.
Tenby’s inshore lifeboat launched first, with two crew members going ashore just as the air ambulance arrived to land nearby. They were soon joined by a land ambulance and coastguard rescue officers.
A stretcher was brought ashore from the all-weather lifeboat, and RNLI crew assisted in stabilising the casualty and carrying them up the beach for transfer into the waiting helicopter.
Once the airlift was complete, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station.
It was the third call-out of the weekend for Tenby RNLI volunteers.
The first incident took place at 2:20pm on Friday (April 11), when the all-weather lifeboat was diverted from a training exercise following a report of paddleboarders possibly in difficulty near Manorbier. As the lifeboat arrived, the paddleboarders were confirmed safe ashore and the crew resumed their exercise.
Later that evening, at 9:15pm, the lifeboat launched again to assist the operator of a seven-metre rigid inflatable boat that had broken down around a mile south of Old Castle Head. The boat was towed safely back to Freshwater East, from where it had launched earlier in the day.
(Photo: File image)
-
Crime7 days ago
Milford man banned from roads after driving with drugs in system
-
Crime5 days ago
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby
-
Crime6 days ago
Broad Haven man admits stalking and bail breaches, denies criminal damage
-
Education6 days ago
Teaching assistant forced to act after child left in locked toilet cubicle for hours
-
News4 days ago
A40 closed after serious crash near Wolfscastle
-
Crime7 days ago
Milford man denies GBH assault on ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandfather
-
Business2 days ago
Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock among top towns in Wales for sex toy sales
-
Health23 hours ago
Pembrokeshire ‘Pink Puffins’ race the Cleddau thanks to local vet’s vision