Shark hero sacked after bosses see bravery on TV
Paul Marshallsea lost his job as a charity worker as he was on sick leave when he was seen dragging a shark away from children in Australia.
Two dead and two injured in crash near Merthyr Tydfil
Two people have died and two others have sustained injuries in a crash on the A4059 between Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil.
Family tributes to Merthyr teenager Caitlin Edwards
The family of 13-year-old Caitlin Edwards who died after falling from a motorbike have paid tribute to her.
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Tributes paid to Merthyr Tydfil man killed in car crash
The family of a 20 year old man who died in a car crash in Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil on Friday say he was "generous person" who "loved life."
South Wales Police say Joshua Jordan Williams died in the early hours of Friday morning in the collision.
He was travelling in a blue MGF which left the road and collided with a tree at around 3.40am as it travelled along High Street close to the Penydarren Club.
Another male, 22, remains in Prince Charles Hospital where he is being treated for injuries which aren’t life threatening.
Joshua's mother Julies said the family have "been overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection towards Josh from the local area.”
Michael, Joshua’s father said ‘how deeply saddened he is by the loss of his son’.
Josh, as a 10-year-old, was hailed a local hero in the local newspaper when his quick thinking helped save the life of an eight year-old girl who suffered a serious head injury after falling.
Police officers investigating the collision are continuing their appeal for information. Anyone who has information about the collision is urged to contact the Roads Policing Unit at Gwaelod Y Garth via 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Roads: Alexandra Avenue, Merthyr Tydfil
Alexandra Avenue is closed for accident investigation work between Gwaunfarren Road and A4102 High Street / High Street.
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Merthyr Council leader defends his record but promises co-operation
The leader of Merthyr Tydfil council, Brendan Toomey, is defending how schools have been run since Labour regained control in May last year. However, he has promised to co-operate with the minister's decision to take the schools off the council. They'll probably be transferred to Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Since May, 2012, the new Labour led administration has wasted no time in meeting the challengehead on with regards to raising the education standards throughout Merthyr Tydfil. Our principal aim has been, and will continue to be, to provide the highest level of education for the young people of Merthyr Tydfil. We recognise that there are significant challenges ahead for all who work within our education services in order to raise standards of attainment and achievement for our children and young people.
– Cllr Brendan Toomey, Leader Merthyr Tydfil County Borough CouncilThe encouraging news is that we have many ‘green shoots’ and are clear about how to address the significant shortcomings. Already we have begun to implement our strategic plan and are beginning to see improvements. The Minister has announced that discussions now have to take place in order to agree on the most appropriate model to deliver the changes needed. I am happy to work withappropriate organisations to achieve this result.
Minister: why I've removed control of schools from Merthyr council
Merthyr Views: An animated look at Valleys life
Youngsters from the Gurnos Estate in Merthyr Tydfil have attended their very own film premiere with their short animation 'Merthyr Views'.
The film, which focuses on life in the Welsh Valleys, aims to challenge stereotypes and change people's perceptions of the youngsters who live there.
The youngsters were involved in the whole film-making process, including writing lyrics for the background song.
Our reporter Nicola Hendy went along to watch the the film on the big screen.
Short film 'Merthyr Views' premieres today
The animated film opens at Merthyr Tydfil's Vue Cinema today.
Its makers say it is a comment on how young people are perceived, particularly by the press.
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New film made by youngsters from Merthyr's Gurnos Estate
Teenagers from the Gurnos Estate in Merthyr Tydfil have made a film about life growing up in Wales.
It follows the success of their award-winning short film, The Boxer, which tells the story of one man's experiences in Merthyr.
Members of the Forsythia Youth Project have been gathering experiences from a group of young people in the town to create their new film, Merthyr Views. It's a short, animated film about how young people see Welsh culture in Merthyr.
It will receive its premiere with a free screening at Merthyr's Vue cinema today at10am.
Monmouthshire leader: Already working regionally
The leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Peter Fox, said today's Estyn report acknowledged schools there are still performing well, but could do better when deprivation is factored in, and that 'special measures' is a wide recommendation, which could include a range of approaches.
He told our Education Correspondent Joanna Simpson that the council is "already working with other authorities" on several education services, and is "already in discussions over how we can work in a more regional approach" over others.
Merthyr leader: Councils must keep 'big' education role
The leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Brendan Toomey, said Estyn's damning report into Merthyr's education services came as no surprise, and the council has instigated a number of improvements.
He told Nick Powell that he doesn't think it's inevitable that education services will move away from councils' control, as "local authorities need to have a big part to play in the delivery of education services, for accountability reasons."
Education Minister: 'We cannot let this situation go on'
Our Education Correspondent Joanna Simpson has been speaking to Wales' Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, who says he agrees with Estyn's recommendation that there needs to be action to improve education services at both Monmouthshire and Merthyr Tydfil councils - and he will be intervening.