POLICE forces across Wales have launched a week of action as part of Operation Sceptre — the national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime.

Running from Monday (May 19) to Sunday (May 25), the initiative involves a coordinated effort by neighbourhood policing teams, who will be visiting retailers to provide guidance on legislation and encourage staff to challenge underage attempts to purchase knives.

The campaign also offers members of the public a safe and anonymous way to dispose of knives and bladed articles. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the following police stations will accept voluntary surrenders throughout the week:

• Llangunnor Road, Carmarthen
• Old Castle Road, Llanelli
• Boulevard St. Brieuc, Aberystwyth
• Parc Teifi, Cardigan
• Merlins Hill, Haverfordwest
• Park Lane, Newtown

A police spokesperson said: “This is part of our ongoing commitment to remove knives from our communities and reduce the risk of harm. While the vast majority of people do not carry knives, the impact of even one incident can be devastating.”

Residents are also urged not to donate unwanted knives to charity shops. Instead, they can safely dispose of them in designated metal bins at local recycling centres.

Anyone concerned that someone they know may be carrying a knife is encouraged to report it — either to the police directly, to a trusted adult, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

POLICE are appealing for information following an early-morning assault near North Beach in Tenby.

The incident happened at around 1:30am on Saturday (May 17) on The Croft, near Croft Court, overlooking the popular beach.

Officers are searching for a man in connection with the assault. He is described as being approximately 6ft 2in tall, of slim build, with medium-length dark brown hair. At the time, he was wearing a red top and was accompanied by a yellow Labrador-type dog.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who may have seen the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Information can be reported online via https://orlo.uk/kMmSw, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Those making contact are asked to quote crime reference 25000406189.

National Geographic hails Pembrokeshire pub as ‘perfection’

A PUB in the heart of rural Pembrokeshire has been named one of the best in the UK by National Geographic – and locals are not surprised.

The Dyffryn Arms in Cwm Gwaun, known fondly as Bessie’s, has taken fourth place on National Geographic’s newly published list of the UK’s “Perfect Pubs”.

Described by the magazine as a “time-warp tavern” that offers “perfection”, the Dyffryn Arms has become legendary for its simplicity, charm, and deeply traditional character – and now it has national recognition to match.

Situated near Fishguard, at the foot of the Preseli Hills, the pub has been run by the same family for generations. Until her passing in 2023, the pub was famously run by landlady Bessie Davies, whose name became synonymous with the place itself.

There is no bar as such at Bessie’s – just a hatch in the wall. Ring the bell, and a jug of Bass is brought through. No fruit machines, no music, no gastro menu – just a pint, a portrait of the Queen, and some good company.

National Geographic said: “Perched on the edge of the picturesque Preseli Hills, this time-warp tavern is extraordinarily old fashioned. Known as ‘Bessie’s’ after the legendary landlady who died in late 2023, it’s more a tiny living room than a local. On ringing a bell, the hatch is opened and just one beer, Bass, is served fresh.”

“There’s a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II and two benches outside. Perfection.”

The Dyffryn Arms was the only Welsh pub to make the 12-strong list, which includes establishments in Edinburgh, London, Cornwall and Belfast.

High praise from visitors

Tripadvisor reviews echo the acclaim, with a 4.5-star average from nearly 100 reviewers. One visitor said: “Idyllic setting in the beautiful Gwaun Valley. This pub is famous for its basic interior which hasn’t been changed over the years. The beer is good too!”

Another wrote: “This cannot be beaten. A wonderful experience. Anyone who does not appreciate this experience simply doesn’t understand. Best pint in Pembrokeshire in a truly stunning location.”

Pint of tradition

The Dyffryn Arms has long been a favourite of CAMRA and is a regular feature in real ale guides, but its inclusion in a mainstream publication like National Geographic may bring a new wave of attention.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, one thing’s for certain – at Bessie’s, nothing much changes. And that’s exactly the point.