24/01/2016 BBC Wales Today

The Education Minister says university tuition fee grants

from the Welsh Government would remain in place

after the Assembly elections, if Labour retains power.

In his first interview since announcing he'll be standing

down at May's elections, Huw Lewis says Welsh Labour

is committed to students being able to study wherever they want,

but wouldn't confirm whether grants would be available universally.

Here's our political reporter, Arwyn Jones.

Students from Wales only pay ?3500 for their tuition fees whenever the

choose to study in the UK. The Welsh government pays the rest around

?5,500 per year. The policy is generous or students but

universities here say it leaves them out of pocket. The Minister insists

it will remain after the election should Labour remain in power as

eight message to young people. We are investing in young people and

will not curtail ambitions especially when it comes to

geography if you really think you are best served across the border or

in Northern Ireland, that is OK. Support is available for every

student in Wales at the moment but Mr Lewis suggested it would be means

tested in future so that only those who needed the money would get it.

The Conservatives called the Wallasey and irresponsible

unsustainable and make which means tens of millions of pounds are

leaving Welsh universities and heading to England or Scotland

instead. He announced last week he would be standing down as an AM. It

has been a tremendous honour to represent the community I was born

and raised in. To have served as education minister which, in many

ways, has been my dream job, I have always walked a little taller with

both those things in mind. But it is time for fresher eyes and is now, I

think. Here's one of nine Labour members standing down in May so a

new challenge for him and the new education minister on the way.

A lorry carrying hay has caught fire next to the Severn Bridge tolls

causing long delays for motorists on the M4.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to the westbound side

of the carriageway, just before one o'clock this afternoon.

Some lanes at the toll booths have now re-opened,

but drivers are being advised to use the old Severn Crossing.

People in Denbighshire have until the end of today

to have their say on the future of council-run care homes and day

The proposals include shutting council facilities in Corwen,

Denbigh, Rhyl and Ruthin to cut costs and prioritise social

The council says it could save just under ?700,000.

Olympic silver medallist, Jamie Baulch, joined people

in Cwmbran today, at a fun run to raise money for a school,

after one of its buildings was burned down.

The fire at Coed Eva School broke out on New Year's Day.

Seven people have been arrested and bailed in connection

Around 600 people turned out for this event arranged, say the

organisers, in double quick time. There are two chained them on was

the Olympics are, Jamie Baulch, whose mum taught at the school. It

is close to my heart and it is lovely to be back here this morning

and see everyone involved. The community has been fantastic and

everyone has raised lots of money to help the school and the kids who are

losing out right now. It was in the early hours of the day that fire

ripped through the school. The headmistress told me then she was

determined all the children would be accommodated on the site, not split

up. Three years on the have achieved it, the nursery children the last to

return tomorrow. I cannot wait to do it I am just really amazed that

these are port that has been sure on this morning. It is our despite this

miserable day. Since the fire, the community have pulled together

already raising more than ?8,000. While today is about raising money,

just as much, it is about holding together that community spirit which

they have been building here. Rugby, and the Ospreys are out

of the European Champions Cup after losing 33-17 to Exeter,

away at Sandy Park. Steve Tandy's side couldn't get

a losing bonus point, they've been knocked

out of the tournament. Exeter finished top of pool two

courtesy of Bordeaux's win away to Clermont in the

groups other match. Football, and Francesco Guidolin's

reign as Swansea head coach began with an impressive and much-needed

2-1 victory at Everton. Gylfi Sigurdsson's penalty gave

the Swans the lead in the first half, and despite an equaliser

from Gareth Barry, Andre Aywe's deflected strike gave

Swansea the win. They're now four points clear

of the relegation zone. The weather forecast now,

and a mild night for most, with some variable

cloud cover around. But many areas should become mostly

clear for a time overnight, before cloud returns

during the early hours. Tomorrow, a fairly cloudy day

for many, with rain moving east Some heavy bursts possible,

especially further north. That's all for now, we'll

have an update for you at 10:15. throughout the week. That is it.

Goodbye for now.