South Wales Echo

Hospital Set for Luxury Treatment

Jk Is Ok for Cash

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has joined the ranks of the world's ultra-rich and is now estimated to be worth an astonishing pounds 526m. The former single mother has made her debut on the Forbes magazine's billionaires list at number 552.

War Hero Honoured

A courageous war hero has been saluted by the Queen for his outstanding bravery in the war in Iraq. Royal Marine, Lance Corporal Justin Thomas, 25, from Llantwit Fardre, received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his courage providing covering fire for 20 comrades, despite being in an exposed position.

Massive Effort to Slash Crime Rate

A massive crackdown on violent offenders got under way across South Wales today with a series of police raids. Teams of officers working on Operation Arrowhead began at midnight arresting people who have previously failed to turn up at court to answer charges of domestic violence and assault.

Power Could Be Cut

The balance of power in a Valleys council is under threat after the shock resignation of two Labour members from their party. Merthyr Tydfil councillors for the Park ward, Leon Stanfield and Louise Gracia, quit at Tuesday's Labour Group meeting. The move follows on the heels of Mrs Gracia's deselection for her ward last week.

Rowling's On the Rich List

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has joined the ranks of the world's ultra-rich and is now estimated to be worth an astonishing pounds 526m. The former single mother has made her debut on the Forbes magazine's billionaires list at number 552.

Decision On Hold

A decision on plans to turn the former Penarth baths building into flats has been put on hold while councillors visit the seafront site. Development company Decourcy Penarth Limited plan to transform the grade II -listed building into a flats complex with car parking.

Cold Shuts Schools

Schools across the Valleys were closed today as snow fell across the region. In Rhondda Cynon Taf, a total of 38 schools were closed

Tea for Two After Chase Leaves Pair Feeling Blue

A pair of teenage Albanian refugees sparked a dramatic police hunt in the Valleys after they were discovered in the back of a lorry. A force helicopter, eight officers, police dog team and three patrol cars were dispatched to track down the duo in Taffs Well.

Behave or Face 'Asbo'

Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in 21st century Britain. That is what school pupils have been told by top Government minister Baroness Patricia Scotland.

'Martial Arts Used On Patients'

A care worker practised ju-jitsu moves on two vulnerable patients he was supposed to be looking after. Carer Jonathan Evans, 33, is alleged to have tried out the moves on the two men after he returned from his martial arts classes.

'Patients Used in Fight Practice'

A care worker practised jujitsu moves on two patients he was supposed to be helping make a new life, Cardiff Crown Court heard. Jonathan Evans, 33, would come back from his martial arts classes and practise the moves on the two vulnerable care in the community patients, prosecutor Hywel Hughes told the jury.

Jail Term for Threat Mother

A mother has been given a three-month jail sentence for intimidating a witness in the cafe of Cardiff Crown Court. Maria Blackburn, 42, of Clifton Street, Splott, Cardiff, approached a witness while her son was on trial, saying: 'If you don't drop the charges, we will have you outside.'

Down to Parents

Banning fizzy drinks and chocolate in school vending machines will not stop children eating junk food. That was the message from a teaching union following calls from Cardiff MP Jon Owen Jones to ban junk food sales in schools in a bid to reduce the levels of obesity among young people.

Tory Mp Sacked Over Sick Joke

Tory mp Ann Winterton has been sacked from the Parliamentary Conservative Party after publicly joking about the deaths of the Chinese cocklers who drowned in Morecambe Bay. Party leader Michael Howard said he was withdrawing the Conservative whip from the MP for Congleton, Cheshire, after she refused to apologise and withdraw her comments, understood to have been made during an after-dinner speech.

Schools Shut As Snow Falls

Schools across South Wales were closed today as snow fell across the region. In Rhondda Cynon Taf a total of 38 schools were closed and in Merthyr Tydfil, two of the town's five senior schools - Vaynor and Penderyn, in Cefn Coed, and PenyDre, in Gurnos, were shut.

On the Up

Limo Girl's Eye Hopes Improve

The family of a teenager who faces losing her sight are optimistic that her condition is improving. Laura Hicks, of Caerphilly, was celebrating her 18th birthday with a limousine ride when a piece of plastic was thrown through the window of the car, slicing into her eye.

Samaritans Throw a Lifeline

A phone with a direct line to the Samaritans has been set up in a notorious suicide spot. But the bright yellow telephone is at the BOTTOM of Southerndown's cliffs.

Refugees Hid in Lorry

A pair of teenage Albanian refugees sparked a major police hunt in the Valleys after they were discovered in the back of a lorry. The 15-year-old stowaways had fled from the back of a lorry after the Belgian driver found them hiding in the back when he stopped in a lay-by on the A470 on Monday.