THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has this week launched a public consultation on new school food regulations aimed at improving children’s health and well-being by ensuring all pupils have access to nutritious meals.

The proposed changes focus on increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in primary school meals and reducing the availability of sugary desserts and fried foods. The plans align with UK dietary guidelines and are part of a broader strategy to promote healthy eating habits from an early age.

Evidence shows that many children in Wales consume too much sugar and not enough fruit, vegetables, or wholegrains. This imbalance contributes to childhood obesity, with one in four children starting school already overweight or obese.

These new proposals support the Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy and follow the completion of the rollout of universal free school meals for all primary pupils. They mark the next phase in the Government’s commitment to making the healthy choice the easy choice.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “Good nutrition is vital for helping young people perform at their best – whether in the classroom, on the pitch, or chasing their dreams. Our evidence-based updates to school food rules will give children the best start in life, support Welsh food producers, and nurture a generation of healthy eaters to safeguard the future of our NHS.

“Schools and catering teams across Wales are already working hard to provide nutritious meals. I want to build on that progress and hear directly from parents, teachers, suppliers and young people. By working together, we can shape food standards that benefit every child in Wales – both now and in the future.”

Rachel Bath, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Wales, added: “Public Health Wales welcomes these proposals for primary schools. Evidence shows that robust food standards in schools can have a lasting positive impact on children’s health and well-being. Strengthening these regulations is a vital step toward building lifelong healthy eating habits.

“These changes not only benefit children’s health but also support a more sustainable food system and local economy. Through collaboration and oversight, school food can become a powerful tool for improving public health in Wales.”

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven was filled with music, colour and community spirit on Sunday (May 18), as the Ukrainian music group VILNI and the Milford Haven Town Band joined forces for a powerful charity concert celebrating unity across cultures.

Titled Music of Unity, the free concert attracted a full congregation, with standing room only by the time the choir took to the front of the historic church. Dressed in traditional Ukrainian embroidered blouses, the performers from VILNI moved the audience with a series of stirring songs that spoke of hope, resilience, and homeland.

The event was a touching show of solidarity from the local community, with many attendees waving small flags or wearing blue and yellow in support of Ukraine. The concert was followed by a community gathering in the church hall, where guests shared refreshments and took part in a raffle to raise funds for Ukrainian families affected by war.

The Milford Haven Town Band added a local musical flavour to the event, performing several pieces and supporting the vocalists with warm brass harmonies.

One attendee told The Herald: “It was one of the most moving afternoons I’ve experienced. The music was beautiful, but it was the togetherness in the room that really stood out.”

Organisers thanked everyone who donated, with all proceeds going towards humanitarian support for Ukraine. Donations were accepted by cash or card, and raffle prizes included hampers, vouchers, and locally crafted gifts.

Photos from the event show a vibrant gathering of people of all ages, brought together by music and a shared sense of compassion.

A MAN from Pencader has been convicted for operating an illegal dog breeding business following a prosecution brought to Swansea Crown Court by the local authority.

Marc Jones, of 1 Golwg yr Ogof, Pencader, SA39 9HS, was found to have engaged in unlicensed dog breeding activity, in breach of animal welfare and licensing laws. The case was concluded at Swansea Crown Court on 17 April 2025.

The investigation began in December 2021, when Mr Jones was first contacted by the council with a formal letter outlining the legal requirements surrounding dog breeding, including the need for a proper licence. Despite further action, including the provision of an application form and an information pack sent on 10 May 2023, Mr Jones failed to submit any application to regularise his activities.

Evidence gathered from multiple online advertising platforms showed that Mr Jones had bred more than three litters of puppies within a 12-month period – clearly exceeding the legal threshold requiring a licence. Investigators also found that breeding and sales continued despite the advice and interventions from council officers.

As a result of the investigation, and under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the court determined that Mr Jones financially benefited from the criminal activity, assessing an amount of £100,000. Mr Jones has been ordered to repay this amount within three months or face a 12-month default sentence.

In addition, the court imposed a 12-month conditional discharge in lieu of a separate financial penalty. Mr Jones was also ordered to pay the statutory victim surcharge.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability – Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said: “This case demonstrates the council’s commitment to upholding animal welfare standards and ensuring that dog breeding is conducted responsibly and legally. Despite repeated attempts to advise Mr Jones and encourage compliance, he chose to ignore the law and profit without regard for regulation or animal welfare.”

Residents are reminded that anyone involved in breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect the welfare of animals and consumers alike.