A POWERFUL new youth theatre production inspired by the shocking felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree is taking to the stage at Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre this week, with support from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The famous tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, made headlines worldwide in 2023 after it was illegally cut down, sparking outrage across the UK and beyond. That real-life event now forms the backdrop to Torch Youth Theatre’s spring production, which explores themes of community, responsibility and environmental connection.

Young performers from across Pembrokeshire will bring the story to life, combining humour with more serious reflections on friendship, conflict and the pressures facing young people today.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch Theatre said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on this production. Their support is invaluable, and we cannot wait to see our young actors blossom on stage. Anyone familiar with the Torch Theatre Youth Theatre knows we exist to celebrate young people and the incredible things they are capable of.

“Youth Theatre is about so much more than the final performance; it’s a safe space for difficult conversations. We’ve tackled topics like toxic relationships and the reach of online influencers head-on, and seeing our cast transform these real-world challenges into art has been a massive boost for their confidence and mental health. But don’t be deceived — it isn’t all heavy. There are moments of genuine humour throughout. After all, young people know better than anyone exactly when the only thing left to do is laugh.”

The National Park Authority said it was proud to support the production, describing the original Sycamore Gap tree as a symbol shared across the UK’s protected landscapes.

Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “As an organisation we were deeply saddened by the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. For generations, it stood not only as an iconic feature of Northumberland National Park, but as a powerful symbol within the wider family of UK National Parks of the beauty, history and shared heritage that bind our protected landscapes together.

“The public response to its felling demonstrated the strength of feeling people have for these treasured landscapes and the vital role they play in supporting mental health, cultural identity and community connection.

“The Youth Theatre production is a fantastic way of raising awareness and understanding of our National Parks and the issues surrounding the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, and we’re delighted to be supporting the show.

“We very much look forward to joining Youth Theatre members in the coming months to plant a sapling of the Sycamore Gap tree in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — a powerful sign of hope, resilience and our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation’s connection to nature.”

As the story unfolds on stage, audiences are invited to consider questions of accountability and truth, as tensions rise, friendships are tested and long-held grudges emerge. Will the police uncover what happened first, or will members of the Eco-club get there ahead of them?

Torch Youth Theatre presents Al Smith’s Sycamore Gap this February as part of the National Theatre’s NT Connections programme.

Sycamore Gap runs at the Torch Theatre from Wednesday (Feb 25) to Friday (Feb 27), 2026. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions). For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk
or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Crews from across west Wales take part in realistic crash scenario at Leekes

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service carried out a large-scale emergency training exercise at Leekes in Cross Hands on Tuesday (Feb 24), testing crews’ response to a serious multi-vehicle collision involving multiple casualties.

The exercise, delivered in partnership with local agencies and supported by Dyfed-Powys Police cadets acting as casualties, was staged twice — once during the afternoon and again in the evening — allowing firefighters to train in both daylight and low-light conditions.

Fire appliances and personnel from stations across the Western Division attended, including crews from Tumble, Pontyates, Llandeilo, Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llandovery. Specialist teams, including Urban Search and Rescue, Joint Fire Control and Training Delivery staff, also took part.

Crews practised casualty extrication, emergency medical care and incident command procedures, ensuring they remain prepared to deal with complex road traffic collisions across mid and west Wales.

Community Safety Officers were also present, speaking with members of the public who stopped to watch and sharing road safety advice linked to the ‘Fatal 5’ campaign — which highlights the main causes of serious road crashes, including speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, not wearing seatbelts and careless driving.

Divisional Commander for the Western Division, Nick Rees said: “Exercises like this are vital for maintaining a safe, competent and effective workforce. They allow us to train in realistic conditions, strengthen joint working, and continue improving the service we provide to our communities.”

The service thanked Leekes for the use of its car park, as well as local residents and partner organisations, for their support in delivering the exercise.

A CARMARTHENSHIRE driving instructor was four times over the limit on his way to a driving lesson.

Timothy Howells, aged 54, of Burry Port Carmarthenshire has been given an 8 week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months following his arrest on suspicion of drink driving.

At around 7:38am on Friday, February 20, police received a report of a single vehicle collision on the A484 between Pembrey to Kidwelly, where a car was found in a roadside ditch.

The driver, Timothy Howells, a local driving instructor, appeared heavily intoxicated to officers and provided an initial roadside breath test reading of 110 and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

A short time later while in custody, Howells provided a second evidential breath test reading of 132 – four times over the limit.

In interview, Howells admitted that when he was arrested by officers, he was on his way to collect a pupil for a driving lesson.

After appearing in Llanelli Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Howells has been given an 8 week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Chief Inspector Christina Fraser said: “Mr Howells was operating in a position of great trust and responsibility; Roads Policing officers have worked quickly in conjunction with colleagues, CPS and the DVSA, to ensure learner drivers and other road users have been safeguarded from an individual who presented a serious risk of harm.”