29/08/2014 BBC Wales Today

spells and it will get warmer -- sunny spells. A story with a happy

ending. Tonight a major search

off the coast of Anglesey after a 12-year-old-boy is swept out

to sea in rough conditions. The sea conditions are horrendous

out there and the visibility has really dropped. With the rain, the

helicopters are struggling. Dozens of emergency personnel are

involved in the operation here, which will continue until darkness

falls. Protestors begin to set up camp in

Newport ahead of the Nato summit. Thousands

of campaigners are expected. Charity boss Naz Malik is cleared

of two counts of fraud. The CPS will decide whether to seek

a retrial over a third charge. "Tortuous and at times

uncomfortable". The Welsh regions break their

silence 24 hours after signing a new And meet Maisie, the ballerina from

Barry, ready to leave home after winning a place at the prestigious

Royal Ballet School in London. Good evening. A major search is

underway this evening after a 12-year-old boy was swept out to

sea off the coast of Anglesey. Emergency crews were called to

Aberffraw beach this afternoon following reports that

a family group had got Conditions

on the water today were described as horrendous by the coastguard

as helicopters and lifeboat crews They'll keep looking for any sign

of the missing boy Strong winds whipped the sea

off Aberffraw into a frenzy. The Porthdinllaen lifeboat rising

and falling on large waves as it It's thought he was with his family

visiting from the north of England. He and a younger boy were paddling

near rocks when they got We had a call that there was a

person in the water. He was with another child in the water, they

were paddling and the waves came in and they were swept out. The father

managed to get one of the children out of the water and grandfather

went into rescue the other lad but a wave swept over. He lost grip of the

grip of the missing child.

The search involved police, coastguard lifeboat crews,

the RAF search And rescue helicopter from nearby valley as well

Onlookers say the conditions made the search all the more challenging.

Very big seas. It is surprising how rough it is today. We have got to

Mac lifeboat out there today. -- two lifeboats. We have got a police

helicopter and there are coastguards and police dotted around the beach

and headline. There are enough people around today. Lots of

children, some even in swimming costumes.

The boy's family were taken to a nearby ambulance station to be

treated for injuries they sustained during their rescue attempts.

Police officers are helping to support them while they wait

This is a popular beach for tourists and local people

but many here today have been shocked at the sudden deterioration

in the weather and the tragic turn of events it brought about.

Conditions have brightened considerably over the past hour but

it is still quite windy. We are as far as the vehicles can go because

the main beach is about ten minutes walk down the estuary. This family,

who we understand are from Huddersfield, will be anxiously

waiting for any news as a result of the search operation.

Campaigners have started arriving at a make shift camp-site in

Thousands of protestors are expected over the next week.

It comes as police step up their preparations in the city,

with almost 10,000 officers part of the security operation.

The first of what may well to thousands. Protesters setting up

camp in Newport ahead of next Thursday and Friday's NATO summit.

The banner outside acting as an unofficial welcome sign for the top

inside work is underway on the temporary kitchens and the toilets

have been delivered. There is an estimated between seven million and

10 million people around the world who have made homeless by NATO

actions and that is what is creating tensions in the world and why there

is more conflict. It is an insult that it comes to Wales, given our

history of working for peace. The message that we are hoping to

send out is, please, everybody, stop and think what has happened to NATO.

Stop and think of the reckless decisions our leaders are making

when they born and pollute and destroy other parts of the world. On

the other side of town, preparations are also being made. Lee scored and

are being delivered to the Rodney Parade Stadium, where officers will

be based. Heavy-duty hardware designed to block roads, paid for by

the UK Government. Overall, 9500 police officers will arrive from 43

forces, including those that protect the UK's nuclear sites. 1500

officers will come from South Wales. They will be rejecting 150 world

leaders and ministers, including the American president. Today, following

developments in Iraq and Syria, the UK's terror threat level was

increased to severe, which means it is highly likely an attack could

happen. But despite all this, it is business as usual in Newport city

centre, with only the suggestion something big is around the corner.

Jonathan owns a bar in the city and lives near one of the proposed

routes. If anything were to happen, it is

possible we would stay at the premises overnight instead of going

home. This family are also making plans.

My children's scores are closed so I can't go into work because I can't

afford childcare so that will be the major disruption.

We were going to do stuff like laser tag but we couldn't. We couldn't go

because NATO is on. Cardiff has borne the brunt so far of the

disruption. This security fence cuisines various congestion around

the city centre. The Celtic Manor Hotel at the heart of the summit is

also starting to resemble a fortress. While there are few

visible signs in the city centre that NATO is coming to Newport,

there is a definite feeling that something big is an the horizon.

Just how big and how it affects people here, we will know in the

next few days. For now, the streets are police and protest free but

there are signs that may be about to change.

A man has died in hospital four days after

allegedly being assaulted outside a pub in Caerphilly town centre.

26-year-old Jake Sweeney who lived in the area,

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A woman from Bargoed, who's volunteering at an orphanage

in Morroco has said she was attacked by a man with a machete.

Naomie Greenslade was with friends in Marrakech when she was attacked.

Police have arrested a local man on suspicion of attempted murder.

The next phase of a major overhaul of public transport in south east

The Cardiff Capital Region Metro project wants passengers to be able

buy a single ticket and go anywhere on the network.

The scheme aims to improve access to the capital from areas like Merthyr,

Rhymney, Gwent, Rhondda and the Neath valleys.

The former Chief Executive of a race equality charity has been found not

guilty on two charges of defrauding the now defunct organisation.

65-year-old Naz Malik headed the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association or

The jury failed to reach a verdict on a third charge.

Naz Malik made no comment as he left court moments

after thanking the jurors who found him not guilty on two counts for

The All Wales Ethnic Minority Association was set up

in 2000 to promote equality across an increasingly diverse country.

Awema received public funding from the Welsh Government,

from the European Union and from the Big Lottery Fund.

Mr Malik, seen her celebrating after the 1997 devolution referendum,

was accused of fraudulently using a chunk of the charity's money to

reduce his personal debts by nearly 12 thousand pounds.

This building in Swansea is where Awema was based from 2008.

The court heard that blank cheques, pre-signed

by the charity's treasurer Stephen Matthews, were kept in

a drawer belonging to the finance director to be used in emergencies.

In March 2010 Naz Malik obtained one of those cheques, written

in the sum of ?2,500, and put it towards his credit card bill.

He always maintained the money was to cover expenses he'd

incurred over the previous months and that he'd given all his bills

and receipts to the finance director, Saquib Zia, who had then

After eight hours of deliberation at the jury rejected the prosecution

The third count related to a life assurance policy Mr Malik took out

on behalf of his wife Bronwen and which cost the charity more than

Mr Malik told the jury he was entitled to implement the policy

as part of his Awema pension scheme and he'd taken a salary sacrifice

The jury failed to reach a verdict on count two, which

alleged Mr Malik used a second cheque with a value of ?9,340.36 to

The Crown Prosecution Service said it review its position

The Crown Prosecution Service said it will review its position

before deciding whether or not to seek a retrial.

Our political Editor Nick Servini joins me now.

This could be the final chapter in the long-running story of Awema

which has been a significant one for a number of reasons, but primarily

because this wasn't just one of the ethnic minority charities operating

The Welsh Government wanted to have a single organisation that it could

Over the course of a decade, more than ?7 million went through

And the man who has been running it during that time was

the chief executive Naz Malik, who has now been cleared of two of

However, questions remain about the financial accountability of Awema,

and these were outlined in a series of reports which ultimately led to

the funding being withdrawn by the Welsh Government and the charity

Now all of this has come to an end with the decision at

Swansea Crown court to clear Naz Malik of fraud while he ran Awema.

The legacy of what happened at Awema will be felt strongly

among the existing charities representing black

This is what the leader of one charity told me.

Still there will be people out there who will continue to think

of Awema, they will not think of the fact that the chief

executive has been acquitted of these serious allegations.

They will continue to think of Awema

so it's going to be a few years before we can actually eradicate

that stereotype and that philosophy from the minds of people.

The Welsh Government gives out around ?300m a year to charities,

and there have been big changes to tighten up the rules.

The Welsh Government says those changes were being introduced anyway

but there is a strong feeling in charitable sector that Awema gave

The Welsh regions break their silence

after signing a new agreement with the Welsh rugby union.

And the ballerina from Barry, 11-year-old Maisie, preparing to

live and train at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London.

It's been claimed that plans for a wind turbine at a Gwynedd village

have divided the community and led to some families refusing to send

Some parents in Llanaelhaearn near Pwllheli say they've been

ostracised for opposing the scheme, which developers argue will

generate hundreds of thousands of pounds for the area.

This is a village of two sides, those who support plans for a 67

metre wind turbine on a neighbouring hillside and those who don't.

The planning application which will go before Gwynedd council on Monday

is being recommended for refusal but a handful of parents like

Ann Ireland say their opposition has led to them being ostracised

Along with four others her son will be moving to a new school

I just felt it was so unfair if he was going to be ostracised for our

feelings. We went to a couple of meetings and we were told we would

be cut off. At the 11th hour, I withdrew him and we have gone to a

neighbouring school. Supporters of the scheme say it will

bring in ?150,000 every year for the next 20 years to the village

which is in one of Wales' poorest It is full from the bottom in terms

of fuel poverty and if we can inject some implement into the area and

direct financial support for the houses that suffer from fuel

poverty, it will be of benefit to everybody.

But opponents say they've seen no evidence to prove that the money

will be of benefit to all and feel that allowing this one turbine could

We have seen what happened in Powys and the Denbigh Moors and we don't

think it is appropriate. It will be a 280 foot white monster. And the

tip of the iceberg in terms of applications.

The Welsh Government is considering requests to call in the application.

However, this afternoon Gwynedd council received a request from

the firm to defer the application which they say they'll consider

The council has also written to those who've sent observations

on the proposal to confirm the comments were their own,

after it emerged that one letter contained a forged signature.

With the new rugby deal signed off the Welsh regions have spoken

Regional rugby bosses have this afternoon issued a heartfelt apology

to fans for the anxiety caused by the on-going dispute in Welsh rugby.

Talking publicly for the first time since they signed a new deal with

the Welsh Rugby Union they acknowledge the two year process had

been tortuous at times, but were now comfortable with the way ahead.

For more than 18 months, these men have been locked in a protracted

battle for the soul of the game in Wales. When yesterday's historic

peace deal was announced, they were conspicuous by their absence. Today

they have broken their silence. It has been very difficult at times and

it has been very tough and uncomfortable at times. The

important thing is that none of us can change history. We do now have a

platform that is a good platform to work from the bed so -- for both

sides and it gives us an opportunity to move forward.

Dual contracts for other stars like Sam Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones are

at the heart of this agreement. These, along with a strengthening of

Gatland's law, encouraging players to stay in Wales, are part of a plan

to keep hold of our top players. When I took over the Cardiff blues,

I think all I have been doing is this negotiation with the Welsh

Rugby Union. I'm looking forward to entering a new era where we have got

a six-year agreement on the table and we can focus on the important

things like having a successful team on the field and being sustainable.

Throughout this row, it has been the supporters who have arguably

suffered the most, not knowing if they will have a teams to support.

With a new season a week away, fancier in Llanelli are glad the

bickering is over. It is about time we put this behind

them. Can't wait for the new season to start. The money should have been

released earlier. Hopefully we can now move forward.

I think it is damaging for players, fans, everybody. People can't

understand what is going on because they don't know. It beggars belief.

I am just glad it is finally over and we can concentrate on the rugby.

As a fan, you don't really want to see it.

With the Pro12 about to start in earnest, Welsh rugby has received a

much-needed boost but to reach this point, relations between the WRU and

the regions reached uncharted depths. The balloons are beginning

to heal but it is vital no fresh ones are open.

Well, time to start talking about matters on the pitch with

There are two pre-season friendlies tonight.

Both Sam Warburton and Adam Jones have been named in the Blues side to

Dragons number eight, Talupae Faletau, will get his first

taste of pre-season action, as his side take on Northampton, and a

The Scarlets welcome Gloucester tomorrow.

Football Swansea City are hoping to continue their great start to

the season tomorrow, they welcome West Brom to the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans have won their opening two Premier League

matches, and Manager, Garry Monk, says he wants to make more signings

to the squad, before the transfer window closes on Monday.

In the Championship Cardiff City travel to Fulham tomorrow afternoon.

Manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, says he's hopeful of bringing

An 11-year-old girl from Barry in the Vale

of Glamorgan has been spending the summer holidays preparing

for what could be the start of a glittering career on the stage.

As her friends get ready to start comprehensive school, Maisie French

is getting ready to start at the Royal Ballet School in London.

Like many 11-year-old girls, Maisie loves to dance. What makes the

difference is that is about to become a way of life for her. It is

just expressing everything, kind of. Maisie started dancing at two and a

half because she couldn't keep still. Her talent and ability were

soon spotted and September, her young life will change forever. The

Barry schoolgirl will start at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in

London. Maisie won one of just 12 places, and although her mum will

miss her terribly, she couldn't be prouder. I try not to think about it

but she is in the best place ever and will be very looked after. The

Royal Ballet School was featured in the film Billy Elliot. Darcy bustle

is a former pupil. The school has a thriving programme, informing dance

teachers of talent. Maisie has been an their radar for a couple of years

and last year she set out on the audition process. I went into the

audition and everyone was there. It was amazing. There were all the

older girls there and they said, smile and enjoy it. Stretching,

stretching, stretching. Maisie attends dance class most evenings

and has been under the watchful eye of her teacher from the start. She

was the one who put the application form in her bag. I am extremely

proud for her and for me, it is a dream come true. She has a passion

and a commitment to it and she is one of those children who likes to

perfect so I will be waiting for her to come back so I can see how happy

she is. She is in the right place. And her mother is preparing for an

emotional farewell when September comes. It has been an exciting

journey and Maisie has already made remarks as top When we went to buy

her uniform, she said his mother are you? She said Maisie French. She

said, I will remember that because of Margot Fonteyn. My husband said,

Michael Flatley! Nobody laughed. It was deadpan. I thought, there you

go, she will be remembered now. Remember the name. Maisie French,

the little ballerina from Barry, about to make a lead into the

limelight. And Maisie leaves home and starts

at the Royal Ballet School So talented and so perfectly

prepared in everything she does. Her mum says they were waiting for the

letter to say whether they had made it or not and her mother waited

outside the Post Office waiting for it and then ran to the school to

give Maisie the good news. Now the weekend weather and Derek,

there's an improvement on the way? Felt more like autumn again

today but I can promise some One or two showers

but some sunshine as well. Sunday the best day

of the weekend with lighter winds. This evening blustery with

some more rain and drizzle. Turning drier and clearer overnight

with a few spots of rain The wind easing but remaining

breezy on the coast with lowest Tomorrow's chart shows low

pressure over the North Sea. High pressure over the Bay

of Biscay. So here's the picture for eight

in the morning. Some sunshine in Monmouthshire

but not dry everywhere. Southern Gwynedd, parts of Powys

and Ceredigion could be a bit damp. One or two showers but some dry,

bright weather as well. Breezy but not as windy

as today with top temperatures Sunday's chart shows a deep low,

the remains of hurricane Cristobal Fronts over Ireland with

high pressure over Biscay. The wind lighter as well

so feeling warmer. The Barry Wartime Weekend is

taking place this weekend. If you're going along,

Sunday will be the best day. While the Rhyl Air Show is

on this weekend along with the BBC Most of the weekend dry

in Rhyl with light winds on Sunday. So the weather this month hasn't

been great, cooler and wetter than average, but summer

is going to bounce back next week. The temperature on Sunday should

reach about 18 or 19C but next week temperatures are going to rise

into the low to mid twenties. High pressure bringing

a more settled and warmer spell It may feel like autumn at the

moment that summer is set to return. A major search is underway this

evening after a 12-year-old boy was swept out to sea off the coast of

Anglesey. Crews were called to the beach after reports that a family

had got into difficulties close to the rocks. Conditions are making the

search difficult. The sea conditions are horrendous

and there and the visibility has really dropped. With the brain, the

helicopters are struggling to do the search. There will be a point where

we can't see and we will have to consider our search parties.

And campaigners have started arriving at a makeshift campsite in

Newport ahead of the NATO summit. Thousands of protesters are expected

over the next week as police step up operations in the city was almost

10,000 officers part of the security operation for

For now from all of us on the programme, have a good evening.