APPLICATIONS for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the 2025-26 academic year are now open.

EMA in Wales provides eligible learners aged 16 to 18 with £40 per week to help cover education-related costs such as transport, meals, and learning materials. In comparison, EMA is available at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland and was discontinued in England in 2011.

More learners are now eligible as income thresholds have been raised:

• Households with one dependent child: income of £23,400 or less
• Households with two or more dependent children: income of £25,974 or less

Raonaq, a learner at Fitzalan High School, said: “EMA has helped me to focus a lot more on school. Without it, I would have had to get a part-time job, which would have made it harder to study and revise for exams. It has helped me cover the cost of stationery, transport to and from school, and entering writing competitions. I don’t think I would have been able to afford these without EMA.”

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “EMA is a vital support system that helps young people continue their education without financial barriers. Learners have told me about the positive impact EMA has had on their educational journey by helping them with everyday costs.

“I was delighted to announce the extension of the eligibility range earlier this year, ensuring that more students have access to this support. I strongly encourage all 16 to 18-year-olds and their families to check if they are eligible, even if they weren’t previously.”

New and continuing learners can check their eligibility and apply online [here] or speak to their school or college for help with applications.

ONE of Europe’s longest serving guardians of a marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC), protecting waters around Pembrokeshire, is celebrating a record-breaking 25^th year in post.

Sue Burton was among the first officer appointees, and the first in Wales, working for a multi-agency partnership (a ‘relevant authorities group’) to act as a focal point for a European Marine Site at the turn of the new millennium in 2000.

Hosted by the Port of Milford Haven and supported financially by the Port, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, she was tasked with protecting the marine wildlife along the coastline and up the Cleddau estuary, working to improve understanding and identify threats and challenges to managing this environmentally important area.

“I have loved this job… I still love this job!” said Sue on marking the anniversary. “I have been working with so many different groups on different topics…  I’ve really enjoyed that variety.

“Our role was to do the more proactive work, working with other bodies and the public to identify what could be done above and beyond the routine statutory protections at the time. We had to look for the gaps, for what we could do to improve the wildlife of the site. That included joint projects, raising awareness and education.”

“The Port of Milford Haven has always been a fantastic support, and I always felt part of the Port family. It has also become a big supporter regarding sustainability,” Sue added.

Sue’s post relied on financial and in-kind support from the other organisations in the Relevant Authority Group partnership too, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to the marine protected area by maintaining their contributions. Partner funding importantly allows Sue to apply for grants to deliver improvement work.

“Highlights for me are probably the opportunities for engagement where I remember what it is all about – the wonderful wildlife. Sharing that with people and opening their eyes to the hidden world beneath the sea is special,” said Sue. “The annual school snorkel safari is probably my best workday of the year!”

“Sadly, external pressures, including climate change, continue to take their toll on habitats across Wales. Many species remain under threat and the status of some are more at risk than they were in 2000,” said Sue.

“But what I have seen in recent years is the emergence of citizen power, with volunteer initiatives such as ‘The Cleddau Project’ fighting hard for marine wildlife and their habitats. This gives me hope that we can make changes before it is too late.

Reflecting on the past 25 years of work, Sue said: “Overall, I am just very grateful to all those bodies and volunteers who have helped me, supported the marine SAC partnership and done so much to highlight the extraordinarily special and beautiful area we live in, and a place that I’m very lucky to have worked in all these years.”

Congratulating Sue on this incredible milestone, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: “We’re truly inspired by Sue for leading the way in this vital work.

“Her dedication to protecting the marine wildlife along Pembrokeshire’s unique and special coastline reflects the Port’s shared commitment to sustainability. It’s a privilege to support her efforts as we work together to safeguard our coastal waters for future generations.”

ONE of the most popular events in the local calendar will return this spring, as Carew Castle prepares to host its annual Classic Car Show on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May.

Set against the historic backdrop of the Castle and Millpond, the show brings together an impressive selection of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles from across South Wales. The event has become a firm favourite among vehicle enthusiasts and casual visitors, offering a unique opportunity to view beautifully maintained vehicles in a striking heritage setting.

In addition to the vehicle displays, the event will include live music and a range of family-friendly activities, making it a well-rounded day out. Hot drinks and bacon rolls will be available in the morning, followed by a full menu of homemade lunches and cakes at Nest Tearoom. The Castle and nearby Tidal Mill will also be open as usual, offering visitors the chance to explore over 2,000 years of history through exhibitions, displays, and the site’s distinctive architecture.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “The Classic Car Show has become one of our most anticipated events of the year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for vehicle owners to showcase their pride and joy, and for visitors to experience a wonderful mix of history, heritage, and automotive design – all in the unique setting of Carew Castle.”

The Car Show will run from 10am to 3pm, with the Castle open until 4.30pm. Normal admission fees apply, with tickets priced at: Adults £8, Concessions £7, Children £6, and Family Tickets £25. Entry to the Car Show is included in the admission fee. No advance booking is required.

The event is weather dependent and may be cancelled in the event of poor conditions. For the latest updates, visit www.carewcastle.com or follow Carew Castle and Tidal Mill on Facebook.

Please note that there has been overwhelming interest from vehicle owners to attend this year’s show and exhibitor spaces are now fully booked.

Information about other events taking place across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.com/events.