News

Siblings to Walk 20 Miles for Lifesaving Helicopter Charity

Published

5 years ago

March 10, 2021

A KIND-HEARTED brother and sister from Pembroke Dock are planning to walk 20 miles in March to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Seven-year-old Harley, and his sister Maisie McNally, 5, both hope to raise £50 each for the Charity as part of the Wales Air Ambulance’s special 20th birthday fundraiser.

Wales Air Ambulance marks its 20th anniversary this year and to acknowledge the milestone, the Charity has created a new fundraising event called My20. The event allows the participants to pick their own challenge, task or activity that reflects the number ‘20’ which they can complete during March.

Harley is no stranger to fundraising for the Charity. He has previously raised over £300 by taking part in last year’s Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. However, this will be little Maisie’s first fundraiser. The children have already raised £80.

Their proud mother, Jessica, said that the challenge will benefit the children, as well as the Charity. She said: “Since lockdown, because of schoolwork and the bad weather, Harley and Maisie haven’t got out of the house much. So they will be doing the My20 challenge by walking 20miles throughout March, to benefit them and the Wales Air Ambulance.

“Harley and Maisie understand completely why the Wales Air Ambulance is necessary for everybody and they also know people who have needed the service. This is why they’ve decided to raise money for it, knowing its services have helped poorly people!

“I’m so proud of them. At quite a young age they know so much about the service and also want to help.”

Katie Macro, the Charity’s South West Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “It’s always wonderful to hear stories of children fundraising at such a young age. Harley is only seven and this is his second fundraiser for the Charity, which is amazing. Walking 20 miles is a lot for anyone, let alone when you’re as young as Harley and Maisie. My20 is a perfect fundraiser for people of all ages, and I hope the children enjoy their challenge.

“We thank everyone who has donated to their fundraiser and a huge thank you goes to the two fundraising stars, Harley and Maisie. Good luck.”

You can show your support to the Pembroke Dock Community School Pupils, Harley and Maisie, by donating to their My20 fundraiser via their Just Giving page Harley & Maisie’s My20 www.justgiving.com/fundraising/HarleyandMaisieWalk

For more information on the #MY20 challenge visit www.walesairambulance.com.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.