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ANDREW Bishop will be on red alert for rising French star Gael Fickou when the Ospreys visit Toulouse in the Heineken Cup of Saturday. Bishop could go head to head with the teenage centre, who is making waves across the channel, when Steve Tandy's side resume their European campaign at Stade Ernest-Wallon. Fickou has been compared to Jeremy Guscott because of his pace and balance, and heralded as rugby's next global superstar. "I've seen bits of footage of him," said Bishop. "He's obviously got a lot of pace. You could see that from the try he scored against Leicester. "He's typically French, an attacking player, and I will have to keep my eye on him at the weekend. "I'd rather come up against someone who runs straight and hard. So it'll be a different challenge from the one I faced in Leicester against Manu Tuilagi. "I'll have to do a bit more video work on him, see what his strengths are and we'll see how it goes. "I've played against world-class players in the past and done all right, so we'll see what happens this weekend." Fickou is just one threat posed by a glittering Toulouse back division, but Bishop insists the Ospreys can also cause their hosts problems. "Their back division has to be up there with the best in world rugby, with flair to create opportunities out of nothing," he said. "That isn't to say there will not be chances — we'll be looking to have a go at them. Florian Fritz is a good defender, but if there are chances we'll be looking to exploit them. "We are confident. We've had a look at them and there's no reason why we can't go out there and win or get something. "The build-up hasn't been great but we are used to it now, boys going away and coming back. In the past we have struggled a bit but we have learned how to deal with it over the years." The Ospreys are third in Pool 2 after beginning their campaign by beating Treviso before losing to Leicester. They were defeated 39-22 at Welford Road in October, but Bishop reckons there will be plenty more twists and turns before the group is decided. "We'd always be going out there trying to win. It was disappointing not to come away with anything from Leicester," he said. "But they have to come back down to us. It's a tough group. I don't think it'll be a pool where one loss will knock you out. "First and foremost we want to at least match Toulouse up front. Set-pieces will be a huge focus for us — we have to look after our own ball and secure field position. "If we do that, perhaps we'll play a bit. But we have to take them on physically."

Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop ready to face Toulouse star Gael Fickou

FIRST she conquered the music charts then she conquered US television. And conquering Hollywood could be the next ambition of Neath singing star Katherine Jenkins. She's already a household name in the States thanks to her appearance on Dancing With The Stars. Now there are hints a movie career could beckon after she reportedly caught the eye of big-shot producer Harvey Weinstein. The singer herself has added to the speculation by tweeting: "Just leaving GMA, next a meeting with Harvey Weinstein about something secret but very exciting! #Tease." The GMA reference is to Good Morning America, one of a handful of live TV appearances Katherine has made of late — one of which saw her give a rendition of Away In A Manger. The star made her acting debut in Doctor Who opposite Matt Smith in 2010. Hollywood insiders reckon producer Weinstein, famed for hit movies such as Shakespeare In Love and Reservoir Dogs, has big plans for her. As yet, though, nothing official has been announced.

Could Neath singing star Katherine Jenkins be Hollywood's new golden girl?

THE Scarlets are adamant they can still qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals despite losing their first two matches of the competition. After the Llanelli region were beaten by Leinster in October, head coach Simon Easterby was resigned to the fact that his side were effectively out of the Heineken Cup. But as the Scarlets welcome back a host of their Wales internationals for Saturday's home clash against Exeter, they insist they can keep their European hopes alive. "We were under no illusions how tough this group was going to be," Scarlets forwards coach Danny Wilson said of Pool 5, which also features French heavyweights Clermont Auvergne. "The first two games have not gone for us and we are in a position where we have to win the double-header against Exeter to give us any chance of progressing. "It would not be a strange situation for Clermont and Leinster to have a couple of draws or points shared because they are two well matched teams. "There is an opportunity for this and we have not given up on Europe. "The Heineken Cup is the pinnacle that everyone wants to be involved with. We have got a lot to play for and the minimum is that we want to finish as high in this group as we can." Even if the Scarlets' bid for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals proves fruitless, they could yet be presented with the consolation prize of a place in the Amlin Cup. They did so last season, where they lost to Brive in the last eight. The Scarlets' chances of beating Exeter will be boosted by the return of Wales players such as Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams and Rhys Priestland following the conclusion of the autumn internationals. It was a miserable period for Wales, who lost all four of their Tests, and Priestland had a particularly difficult time as he sought the help of a sports psychiatrist in a bid to rediscover his form. But Wilson is delighted too have the fly-half back at Parc y Scarlets, and he is confident the 25-year-old will soon be back to his best. "Rhys is a good professional and a very talented player in a position that attracts a lot of pressure," said Wilson. "If you are playing 10 for any region or Wales in particular it is a huge pressure position. "He knows and accepts that. When things are not going quite so well he then comes under some criticism, but he has broad enough shoulders to be able to deal with that. "Class is permanent and Rhys will have more good games than bad games. "He is an excellent guy to have around the place and I am glad he is back with us and he can breed confidence around the squad."

Danny Wilson insists Scarlets can still reach Heineken Cup quarter-finals

FIREFIGHTERS in Llanelli have warned that lives will be lost after fire chiefs advertised their jobs. The Fire Brigades Union is fighting plans to introduce a new crewing system that they say would reduce the number of firemen at Llanelli fire station from 28 to 13. A FBU spokesman said: "It is arrogance of the highest degree when service managers feel they have the right to expose their fire crews and members of the local community to greatly increased risk." The union claims the jobs of firefighters at Llanelli fire station have been advertised and members could be forced to work at other fire stations. The FBU spokesman added: "Who will bear the lion's share of the responsibility when the inevitable member of public or firefighter fatality occurs." He went on to describe the proposed changes as "lunacy". The spokesman added: "Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has already endured a reduction of well over 100 frontline posts over the past 10 years; there is no more scope for reduction." One firefighter at Llanelli fire station, who asked not to be named, said: "I feel as if someone is pulling out the rug from under my feet. "All we can do is hold out hope that at the eleventh hour someone will see sense before anyone gets hurt." The FBU is considering legal action in a bid to thwart the changes. A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the shift patterns were being improved and made more efficient, while emergency cover would remain the same. She said staff working at Llanelli could apply for the positions within the new crewing systems. Those who did not wish to keep working at Llanelli could say where they would like to work and "we will do our utmost to accommodate them. "The new crewing system at Llanelli will make better use of taxpayers' money." The spokeswoman added that community safety would be improved.

Union warns Llanelli fire crew cuts will risk lives

THIS is the future of higher education in Swansea Bay. And it should be here in less time than it takes to get a degree. Swansea University's £250 million science and innovation campus is set to be created at the old BP transit site off Fabian Way. Neath Port Talbot Council has given the detailed designs its seal of approval, saying the project will assure the region's economic, social and educational future. Or as Briton Ferry councillor Hugh James put it: "Anybody who doesn't support this would be absolutely mad." He remarked on the level of thought that had been put into the building designs. "It isn't just an ugly box, as we had in the 1960s and 1970s. It's going to be stunning." Swansea University says it is in the final stages of an EU procurement process to build the new campus at a site on Fabian Way, in addition to the regeneration of the university's Singleton Park campus, to create world-leading research, innovation and education facilities. Assuming everything goes to plan, work will begin on site early next year, with the first students arriving in 2015. Vice-chancellor Richard B Davies said: "We are delighted to have obtained the green light from Neath Port Talbot Council and are most grateful for its support and positive engagement with this major project. "In addition to enabling the university to build upon academic strengths, the new campus will be a driver for economic regeneration. "The campus will be good for the university, good for Neath Port Talbot and good for the region. "This ambitious project will enable us to attract inward investment to Wales and promote the growth of high-technology clusters. It will establish the region as a vibrant location for modern, high technology companies, bringing even greater eventual impact." Project director Iwan Davies said: "The new campus will deliver a next generation science park, co-locating university and industry researchers, students and academics — not only on the same site, but using the same laboratories and facilities. "This will not only provide knowledge transfer but also ensures that the curriculum followed and skills developed by our students are leading edge and relevant to the future needs of businesses." Council deputy leader Peter Rees described it as a wonderful project.

Swansea University's science and innovation campus is revealed

AN Iraq hero says people in the former war zone live in better mud huts than the council home his family has been offered in Swansea. Terry Hewitt moved to the city with his 21-year-old wife Amanda and two sons Alister, 3, and Archie, 1, after leaving The Queen's Royal Hussars to spend more time with his family. The 30-year-old former trooper, who served nine years in the Army on tours to Iraq and Kosovo, labelled the Clydach property he was offered as sub-standard, especially compared to the married quarters where he had been living in Paderborn, Germany. Swansea Council has now apologised to the family over problems with the repairs and pledged further work would be carried out. But Mr Hewitt said: "I've seen better mud huts in Iraq. Obviously coming from a military background I'm used to everything being immaculate, but the house in Clydach is not to a minimum standard — I was surprised. "My wife Amanda started crying when she saw the property. "After we had the email about the house in Tyle Teg, Clydach, we thought it was going to be really nice but it was just a big shock." Mr Hewitt said he first got in touch with Swansea Council about housing his family three months ago and was pleased at their quick response in finding a property. But he claims he wasn't given the key to the property straight away and despite promises repairs would be carried out and that the home would be offered a fresh lick of paint nothing was done. Mr Hewitt added: "The council said all the floors were going to be levelled and all the walls were going to be plastered and painted. "It was horrible — all the walls were covered in artex, it had sharp pieces on the walls which weren't safe for the children. "In the kitchen we only had three cupboards so we are going to have to get some more. There was no painting done and the walls still need plastering. "All the walls needed fixing — where the wall units were ripped down there were holes there. "The lounge still had the old wallpaper up held by sticky tape and there was no carpet on the floor. "There was no gas and electricity and we had to wait just over a week for the electrician to do a safety check. "Repairs are needed in all of the bedrooms as there are holes in the skirting boards where the plaster is coming off and there are cracked tiles in the bathroom." The family say they are having to stay with Amanda's Brynhyfryd-based godmother Sally Aston for now but desperately need to move before Christmas. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help is aiding the family. A Swansea Council spokesman added: "We worked closely with Mr and Mrs Hewitt to re-house them following his discharge from the Army. There have been problems with some repairs, so we've apologised and agreed to carry out more works at the property. "There was a misunderstanding about the redecoration of the property when it was offered. We don't usually decorate properties but Mr and Mrs Hewitt have been given decoration vouchers to help them decorate the house. "Additional works at the property will be completed as soon as possible and we'll continue to offer Mr and Mrs Hewitt all the support we can."

Iraq war hero hits out over 'unfit' council home in Swansea

HUW Jenkins has admitted Swansea City are scouring Europe for reinforcements in a bid to ensure they do not run out of puff in the second half of the season. Michael Laudrup has no plans to make any significant changes to a team who have already been overhauled this term. But Swansea's decision-makers feel there is a need to spruce up the squad for what could be a huge few months for the club. "Our new manager is only just getting to know most of the players we have got after 15 games," said Swansea chairman Jenkins. "But with the games we have got coming up, adding one or two new players is something we'll look at. "Potentially there is a two-legged League Cup semi-final in January if we can get past Middlesbrough, and then we have the Arsenal FA Cup tie plus all the Premier League games. "We need to make sure we have the right depth of squad because there are going to be a lot of competitive games," he added. "You look at some of the players who are new to the Premier League, and you have got to watch to make sure they are strong enough to continue right throughout the season. "During that time they will probably need help because they will need rest, so we have to make sure we have the players to cover that." No fewer than seven members of the Swansea side which started at Arsenal last weekend are new to the English top flight this season, and that was despite the absence of another player who is getting used to the division, Pablo Hernandez. Swansea do have more experienced men like Michel Vorm, Wayne Routledge and Danny Graham to come back into the fold, but Jenkins still feels January is the right time to strengthen the squad. Swansea will be in the last four of the Capital One Cup for the first time in their history should they overcome high-flying Championship side Middlesbrough next Wednesday. And their spectacular recent form suggests they may have plenty to play for in the league come spring as well. Jenkins concedes it is not easy to do business in January because transfer fees can be inflated, but there is cash in the pot at the Liberty if the deals are right. "We will have funds ready to bring in one or two, but they have got to be the right signings for this club," he added. Swansea's assistant manager, Erik Larsen, has been busy scouting a number of potential targets in recent weeks. "Apart from our own scouts we have working for us, Michael brought in Erik Larsen, and Erik's knowledge throughout Europe is fantastic," Jenkins said. "He has been all around watching different players who we feel are right for us. "He has been watching certain players just to confirm whether we are going to make an attempt to bring one or two of them in next month."

Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup looking all over Europe for transfer window recruits

A BLAZE has erupted at a house in Glynneath.

Crews from Neath, Hirwaun and Morriston are at the scene in Waungron.

A fire service spokeswoman said they were called to the bungalow, named Sunnyview, at 12.16pm.

"No-body is injured," she said.

"When we received the call we advised for the occupants to leave the property.

"The property was well alight when crews got there."

The incident is on-going.

A ROYAL visitor will be heading this way next week.
The Prince of Wales will be in Port Talbot, Swansea and Carmarthen next Friday, December 14.
His first stop will be at Tata Steel's Port Talbot works, where he will meet employees and members of the community.
Then he will visit the blast furnace control room and unveil a plaque marking the completion of the new Blast Furnace No 4.
From there Prince Charles will make his way to Swansea and the birthplace of Dylan Thomas at 5, Cwmdonkin Drive in Uplands.
There the prince will tour the house, meet members of his family and those involved in the centenary celebrations of his birth.
Finally, as patron of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Prince Charles will visit the Carmarthen campus to attend a traditional Plygain service at the university chapel.

THERE are fears of compulsory redundancy at a Port Talbot factory.

The UK Government has asked for "expressions of interest" from firms willing to take on the Baglan and Porth (Rhondda) Remploy factories which employ people with disabilities.

Neath MP Peter Hain has labelled the news as a "real body blow for area" while Aberavon's MP and AM Hywel Francis and David Rees have both called for urgent talks. The Baglan plant, which employs around 70 people, and the Porth site are the last of two Remploy factories in Wales after a series of closures.

More than 40 disabled people lost their jobs when the Fforestfach Remploy furniture factory in Swansea closed at the end of August. The Bridgend site will close in March.

Remploy said its furniture business based at Baglan had the potential to be commercially viable, but currently makes significant losses.

In a statement, it said: "To achieve commercial viability it is likely that the business would require significant restructuring and downsizing of its operations.
"Remploy will market this business as a prospective going concern but recognising that the current trading position of the business may ultimately result in no viable bids being received and that there may therefore be consequential redundancies and factory closures.

"All staff in this business are now at risk of redundancy."

A statement from the Welsh Government said it has asked the Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey to "devolve the funding, assets, land, buildings and contracts" of the two factories in Wales in order to create a viable social enterprise.

"Welsh Ministers have opposed factory closures from the start," said the statement.

"We have made it clear we do not believe that closing the factories will improve the lives of disabled people and we will be discussing our objections to DWP's announcement as a matter of urgency."

Miss McVey said the announcement was made just weeks before Christmas as "it was only right for the people to know as soon as I knew".

She added: "Nothing will happen today, there will be a three month consultation period.

"People will put in bids, interests and ideas. After that there will be another one month consultation."

She added that all employees affected by the changes will be supported by an £8 million support package which will help them with their CV's and help them get back into work.

In a joint statement Aberavon's MP and AM, Hywel Francis and David Rees, said: "We support the call for management and unions at Remploy to back Welsh Government Minister, Leighton Andrews in his call for the devolution of all Remploy assets, budgets, buildings and land for the two Welsh Remploy plants at Baglan and Porth in the Rhondda. We will shortly be meeting unions and management to urge them to work together on a social enterprise at Baglan in partnership with the Welsh Government and the Wales Cooperative Centre."

Mr Hain said they were "throwing disabled workers to the wolves".

He said: "There is never a good time for an announcement like this but coming just days before Christmas and so soon after the Tata Steel announcement this is a real body blow for the area."

CHRIS Llewellyn, once of Norwich City and Wales, has finally arrived at Swansea City some nine years late.

Llewellyn, who grew up in Townhill, came close to signing for Brian Flynn's Swansea back in 2003, but ended up joining Wrexham.

"They had just been promoted to what is now League One and Swansea were in League Two," remembers Llewellyn, who held talks with Flynn about coming to the Vetch.

"I also had a few issues off the pitch at the time that I had to deal with, and that meant I ended up signing for Wrexham when in my heart I wanted to join Swansea.

"But that might have been a good thing for the club, because if I'd signed, they might not have signed Lee Trundle (later that summer) and they might still be in League Two!"

Now 33, Llewellyn belatedly joined Swansea over the summer as part of the ever-expanding coaching staff in the club's youth academy.

The six-cap Wales international had been playing until last season in the Welsh Premier League, but his happiest days as a player came during his time with Norwich.

Llewellyn joined the Canaries as a 15-year-old and, after making his first-team debut at just 18, went on to play more than 150 times for the club.

Released in 2003, he had two good years at Wrexham before joining Hartlepool for a season, then he returned to The Racecourse for another couple of campaigns prior to a stint at Grimsby Town.

Llewellyn then had spells at Neath, Llanelli and Aberystwyth Town, but is now focusing on his coaching career.

"Norwich was where I was happiest as a player," he adds.

"I broke into the first team when I was pretty young and had some great times there playing in the Championship.

"Mike Walker gave me my debut, then I played for others like Bruce Rioch, Bryan Hamilton and Nigel Worthington.

"I have got great memories of Norwich. I have still got a lot of friends there and I still look out for their results.

"But of course, I want to see a Swansea win tomorrow."

Llewellyn is a full-time coach at the Liberty, working primarily with the under-18s, but also with a number of other academy age groups.

"I had five months as a postman in Ammanford, but it's nice to be back working in football every day," says Llewellyn, who is now based in Pontardawe.

"I spoke to (academy manager) Tony Pennock in the summer about working for the club and I started off part-time with the under-14s.

"Then the opportunity came to go full-time and I was delighted.

"The club have big plans for the youth set-up and it's a great time to be part of it. I am working on my coaching badges at the moment and I'm really enjoying the job."

There will be youth games to think about this weekend, but Llewellyn will also have Swansea's senior side on his mind as the club he wishes he'd played for face the one where he made his name.

"Norwich have picked up a lot lately, even if they were a little bit fortunate to beat Sunderland last weekend from what I saw," he adds.

"But our first team are doing fantastically — to be three points off the Champions League places is amazing when you think where the club was a few a years ago.

"I am going to stick my neck on the line and say there will be a home win this weekend."

Former Norwich City and Wales star Chris Llewellyn has finally joined Swansea City

CHILDREN will enjoy some festive cheer next week in memory of Swansea Valley youngster Harry Patterson.

A Christmas party is to be held especially on their behalf, by the organisers of the fund set up in memory of the former Alltwen Primary School pupil, who was killed after being struck by a car rolling down the driveway of the family home.

In the wake of their loss, Harry's parents, Michelle and Christian, set up Harry's Fund, with the aim of creating a family park in Alltwen, and to help parents in similar tragic circumstances.

The fund has hosted a series of events over the past year, including a Swing to the Stars event held at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea last month, featuring Torchwood actor Kai Owen and singer Jimi Webb.

But the Christmas party at Pontardawe Football Club on Monday is being thrown exclusively for children, because Harry used to enjoy the time of year so much, and many of the other events were more adult-orientated. It is the second time they have organised a Christmas party on his behalf.

Michelle said: "Harry loved Christmas, as all children love Christmas, so we are really pleased, following on from last year's successful party, to be able to do one this year.

Nativity

"It is nice to be able to organise a children's fun event and Harry would have loved it."

Before the party, a Christmas fete will be held in St David's Church in Ystalyfera on Saturday, while the following Saturday, December 15, a special charity performance in Swansea's St David's Church, will see a new musical version of the nativity called The Still of the Night, also to raise money for Harry's Fund.

Partying in memory of tragic Swansea Valley youngster Harry Patterson

MORE than 140,000 ordinary workers in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot will see an income tax cut in April, an AM has claimed.

Peter Black, the Lib Dem member for South Wales West, said it was a piece of good news following the Chancellor's Autumn Statement this week.

George Osborne announced he was raising the personal allowance by £235 more than previously announced next year, to £9,440.

Mr Black said: "This announcement means that by April, 140,400 ordinary working people in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot will get a further Income Tax cut, bringing the total tax cut to £600 a year since Liberal Democrats joined the Coalition Government.

"This news is particularly welcome because it also means that the Liberal Democrats have lifted 12,510 low-earners out of paying Income tax altogether since the Coalition Government came to power in these two council areas."

Meanwhile the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, welcomed the UK Government's capital boost for Wales.

However, he added that challenging times were still ahead.

"It is good to see the UK Government have listened to our call for extra infrastructure investment — we have been pressing the case for some time and are pleased that they have responded.

"Despite this extra money, it must be remembered that our capital budget in 2014-15 will still be 39 per cent lower in real terms than it was in 2009-10.

"The fact is we will still be experiencing deep cuts that will only hinder us in our attempts to boost economic growth.

"The additional capital allocations are smaller in comparison to the additional £500 million capital investment we announced yesterday for the A465 and the 21st Century Schools Programme.

"The Chancellor has also announced a 3 per cent cut in real terms to our revenue budgets meaning we will have to make some very difficult funding choices.

"The reality of this Autumn Statement is Wales is still facing a very tough public spending environment for years to come."

Other highlights from the Chancellor's statement on Wednesday include the basic state pension to rise by £2.70 a week from April 2013 which is expected to help 640,000 pensioners in Wales.

Welsh businesses will also benefit from a further one per cent reduction in the main rate of corporation tax from April 2014 to 21 per cent.

South Wales West AM Peter Black claims 140,000 will get income tax cut

MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his great respect for Welsh troops returning from Afghanistan.

The 70-year-old Scot, who has spent 26 years at the helm at Old Trafford, thanked soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh for the way in which they had served their country.

Sir Alex, who gave the soldiers their medals at Chester Racecourse, said: "I want to thank these lads for the service they've given our country — without them Great Britain wouldn't be Great Britain.

"I want to give them some encouragement, that we all depend on them."

Yesterday, was the first time the football manager had taken part in awarding medals to the troops.

Sir Alex revealed his grandfather was gassed in the First World War and died years later after suffering from the effects of what happened to him.

He added: "Anyone around my age will have a relative who was involved in the First or Second World Wars.

"My father couldn't join the Army because he didn't have a thumb.

"He lost his thumb in a machine accident when he was young, so he worked in the shipyards during the war which played its part in terms of building the ships for war.

"I've got great respect for the Armed Forces.

"One of my best friend's son was lost in action so I know exactly what it means."

The battalion, who returned from Afghanistan in October, marched through Chester before the medals presentation took place.

The parade was led by the Regimental Goat, Billy, and the Band of the Prince of Wales's Division.

During their time in Helmand Province, they were involved in a security and ground holding role in Helmand Province, along with mentoring the Afghan National Police and Afghan Army, and protecting the population from the security threat.

Sir Alex, who has recently been involved in helping to raise funds for two forces charities, said: "I think we all owe them a debt.

Special

"There's a fantastic feel for all the troops from the whole of Britain."

The head of the Army in Wales, Brigadier Philip Napier, Commander 160 (Wales) Brigade, The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Pam Booher and The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, also met soldiers at Chester Racecourse.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Webb MC, commanding officer of 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, of Penllergaer, Swansea, said: "I'm so grateful to Sir Alex for taking the time out and presenting medals.

"It makes the day all that more special."

He added: "We have had so much support from the communities around Wales and Chester while we've been away and the soldiers are so grateful for that. To return home and take part in these events provides us with an opportunity to say thank you for that support.

"It was a long tour and so much was achieved, but not without sacrifice."

Former Swans apprentice, Captain Stephen Healey, and Corporal Michael Thacker, both died on their tour of duty.

Lieutenant Liam Maguire, 27, from Sandfields, Port Talbot, of the battalion, said: "It's great to see Sir Alex Ferguson. He gave a cracking speech.

"He said he always tells his men to show courage in every tackle but added it does not compare to what we did on tour.

"We all idolise him and it's touching that he idolises us."

He added: "I am huge Manchester United fan and I sent a letter to the club saying a lot of my lads are Manchester United supporters asking if they could show us a bit of support in Afghanistan in turn.

"Wayne Rooney sent a signed picture to the Men of 10."

Captain Mark Lewis, 28, of Tycoch, Swansea, also of the battalion, added: "It is such an honour to have such a distinguished guest like Sir Alex Ferguson giving the medals.

"The qualities he has in leadership and management embody the training in the Army.

"Myself and Liam had torn loyalties when Swansea went up into the Premier League — we support Swansea first and foremost and Manchester United.

"There were a number of things sent out from the club to the guys in Afghanistan.

"It makes it a bit special when people you hold on a pedestal are sending you things."

He added: "It's a good way to round off a week of parades."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in touching tribute to heroes

A BIGGER Liberty Stadium could boost the economy and "cement Swansea's place as a top city of sport".

This is according to Cabinet member for regeneration, Nick Bradley, who has welcomed proposals for expanding Swansea City's home ground.

Club chairman Huw Jenkins announced exclusively to the Post this week that they wanted to add thousands of seats to the stadium.

But he stressed saying in the Premier League was vital to realising its expansion.

Mr Bradley said: "The Swans have been performing superbly yet again this season and we welcome news the club is looking to expand the Liberty Stadium because it further cements Swansea's status as a top city of sport.

"More capacity will lead to an even more atmospheric match day experience and even more money being spent in local hotels, pubs, restaurants and other businesses.

"We have already met with the Swans and will continue to be on hand to support them through the application process."

Mr Jenkins said the club was looking to add between 11,000 and 12,000 seats to the south, east and north stands.

The stadium's capacity is currently around 20,500, but the club is missing out on match day revenue due to the high demand to see them live.

An application is expected to be submitted to Swansea Council early next year.

Mr Jenkins said a lot of work was going on behind the scenes.

"We hope to be ready to put a planning application in by February or March," he added. "The (supporters) trust is helping us to do a survey shortly to see where we are at with the level of interest in additional season tickets.

"We want to get all that in hand, to give us the confidence and to judge where we need to be, because we will be expanding in different phases.

"We are looking to get some feedback. For instance, a lot of the feedback I hear is that a lot of the ground has been more or less sold out for five or six years."

Mr Bradley added: "The Swans' Premier League status hasn't just been great news for the football club — it's been great news for Swansea Bay as a destination too.

"The Premier League is the best football league in the world that enjoys an audience of many millions of people across the world. This means Swansea's profile has been considerably raised and many people will have heard about Swansea for the very first time.

"Visiting fans have been coming to Swansea in their thousands since the Swans were promoted to the Premier League. Many of them have been spending several nights in the local area, which helps boost our economy."

Liberty Stadium expansion 'cements Swansea's place as top for sport'

A GOWER pensioner may have been caught in a powerful explosive backdraught during a blaze in his cottage, an inquest has heard.

When firefighters forced their way into his burning house they found 75-year-old Jack Vincent Vernon on the floor near the door to his living room.

He was pulled from the burning Parkmill cottage and firefighters performed CPR on him for 20 minutes before he was rushed to Morriston Hospital.

However, despite the efforts for fire crews and medics the retired heating engineer could not be revived.

An inquest into Mr Vernon's death heard that the alarm was raised at around 5.50pm on October 8 last year by a woman and her son who had visited nearby Three Cliffs Bay and who saw smoke coming from the eves of his cottage.

The widower was formally pronounced dead in hospital at 7.20pm that night.

The following day the cottage was examined by police, fire and forensic experts.

Mark Williams from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue was one of those who tried to piece together the circumstances of the death.

He told the inquest he believed the fire had been smouldering for "some time" in the front room of the cottage, and that Mr Vernon could then have opened the closed door to the room which led to an influx of oxygen and a sudden re-ignition of the hot gases inside — a backdraught.

He added: "A backdraught is an explosive event."

The fire expert said that after ruling out causes such as an electrical fault, it was likely that the original source of ignition may have been a paraffin lamp that was found in the room, or candles — candles had been found in other rooms of the house which had melted in the heat of the blaze, even though the fire itself was contained to the living room.

The inquest heard evidence that Mr Vernon had burns on his upper body consistent with his clothes having been on fire, and that the cause of his death was exposure to fire and fire effluent, the gases produced by combustion.

South Wales Police detective sergeant Stuart Prendiville told the hearing there was no evidence of a break-in at the cottage prior to the fire, or of any "third party" involvement in the incident.

The corner Philip Rogers said: "On the balance of probabilities I am satisfied this fire started accidentally.

"The most likely source was the paraffin lamp which was found at the scene, but why Mr Vernon was using the lamp at that time or why he may have left it are matters we cannot be sure about."

He recorded a finding of accidental death.

HISTORY will repeat itself when Prince Charles returns to Port Talbot's steelworks next week.

He was there in 2002 to launch the then new Blast Furnace No 5.

Ten years later the Prince of Wales will do the honours again, this time commemorating the completion of the £185 million Blast Furnace No 4.

His visit on Friday will also see him tour Dylan Thomas's birthplace in Swansea, and call at University of Wales Trinity Saint David's Carmarthen campus.

His first stop will see him meet Tata workers and members of the community, before going to the blast furnace control room to unveil the plaque for the No 5 furnace.

"We invited him and we are honoured he is attending," said Tata spokesman Robert Dangerfield.

"He was here to launch the No 5 furnace in 2002 so it is nice to have that continuity.

"He is Prince of Wales and next in line for the throne so we would like him to be aware of who we are and what we do.

"He has a strong interest in sustainability and caring for the environment, and there is a very strong message about that in the new blast furnace."

Mr Dangerfield said it had been an enormous project and achievement by the teams involved with it.

After leaving Port Talbot, Prince Charles, a fan of Dylan Thomas's poetry, will travel to the poet's birthplace at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands.

There the prince will tour the house, meeting members of Dylan's family and those involved in the centenary celebrations of his birth in 2014.

Geoff and Anne Haden took over the lease on the house in 2005 and spent three years restoring it. They now offer tours, accommodation and meals there.

Next Friday will mark their first royal visit. "We are very excited," said Anne. "It's brilliant, I think it's the biggest recognition we could have, ever. It's such an honour.

"The house runs along the same lines as Prince Charles's beliefs. We restored it using traditional methods to honour the house as we found it.

"We have never had a royal visit before and I think it's wonderful.

"In a way I think I've become Dylan's mum. I'm making sure the house is sparkling and all the brass is gleaming, ready for the royal visit."

The final stop in the prince's itinerary will be a visit to the Carmarthen campus of the University of Wales Trinity St David, of which he is a patron.

There he will attend a traditional Plygain service.

Vice-chancellor, Professor Medwin Hughes, said: "We are delighted and very honoured by his presence at this special service and are delighted to celebrate a unique aspect of our religious heritage and culture."

Prince Charles to visit Port Talbot, Swansea and Carmarthen next week

THE Scarlets will welcome back a host of Wales stars for tomorrow's crunch clash against Exeter — but the returning cavalry have been warned they will have to earn their places in the side.

Having lost their first two Heineken Cup matches of the season, anything less than a win this weekend will mean European elimination for Simon Easterby's men.

Wales wing George North is a doubt because of a hip injury but, even if their North Walian totem is ruled out, the Scarlets will still have the likes of Rhys Priestland, Jonathan Davies (left) and Scott Williams back in the fold.

The returning international contingent will be desperate for a victory after suffering an autumn whitewash with Wales, though Scarlets forwards coach Danny Wilson insists it is not a foregone conclusion everyone of them will start tomorrow.

"They have to earn the shirt the other boys have been wearing," he said.

"There is a lot of quality coming back and that is something we have to consider when we are looking at selection. We have players who have performed well for us while the international players have been away so they are putting pressure on the people coming back."

Two Wales players who will not be involved are back-rowers Rob McCusker and Josh Turnbull, who both picked up injuries on international duty and are targeting a return later this month.

The pack will be bolstered, however, by the return of their Wales colleagues such as Matthew Rees and Aaron Shingler.

The Scarlets will be braced for an onslaught from an abrasive Exeter side, and Wilson believes his side must win both instalments of their double-header against the Chiefs.

"We are under no illusions about how good a side Exeter are, and they come here on the back of some good results," he said.

"Credit to (head coach) Rob Baxter and his coaches because their climb over the last three years from the Championship to Europe has been excellent.

"During my time at London Welsh I came across Exeter many times and they have really developed and become an exceptional side.

"We have to win the double-header against Exeter to give us any chance of progressing.

"They have become capable of playing both brands of rugby. They can play that forward-orientated game they are associated with, but they can also play with a bit of width."

Wales stars back for Scarlets against Exeter

British Transport Police are investigating after a CCTV camera at Cwmbran rail station was damaged on Thursday, 15 November. Officers have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection to the incident. Investigating officer PC Debi Rouse said: "Just after 9pm, a man was seen to cover the lens of the CCTV camera in the shelter on platform 1 before proceeding to damage it. "This is nothing other than wanton destruction carried out by a person who clearly has no respect for their surroundings or the property of others. "This was a reckless act of mindless criminal damage which could have put innocent people in danger." Having viewed CCTV footage prior to and during the incident, officers have identified a man they believe may have key information. He is described as in his early 20s, around 5ft 8in, of medium build, and clean shaven with short, dark hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and light trousers. "We have circulated the image to local police forces and rail staff in an attempt to obtain a name for this individual, but have had no success so far," said PC Rouse. "I would now urge any witnesses or anyone who recognises this man to contact us, as I believe he will be able to help us with our enquiries. "Also, the man we would like to trace was seen with a woman around the same age, who is described as slim with long hair. "Were you this woman, or do you know who she may be? If so, we would like to hear from you." If you recognise the man in the images, or have any information that could assist police with their enquiries, call 0800 40 50 40 quoting background log B5/WHA of 06/12/2012. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

British Transport Police release CCTV images after criminal damage at Cwmbran station

A BUSINESSMAN is alleged to have grabbed a landlady by her throat as he and his family attempted to retrieve a fruit machine from the pub his son had formerly worked at.

George Deakin, of Dinas Baglan Road, Port Talbot, denies a charge of common assault on Lynda Coward at her pub, The Welcome Inn in Llangyfelach Road, on January 3 this year.

Swansea Magistrates' Court was told Deakin's son Andrew had formerly run the pub together with Mrs Coward's son Josh, and in order to increase profits George Deakin had provided a fruit machine to his son.

But the relationship between Andrew Deakin and Josh soured over Christmas last year, when Andrew claimed he was told he was no longer needed to work there.

So he returned to the pub with his father to collect what he said was his property.

Lynda Coward told the court that when the Deakin family had walked in, Andrew had begun to pull the fruit machine from the wall, and when she pushed it back, a struggle ensued.

She said that after pushing between her and Andrew Deakin: "George Deakin grabbed me by the throat. I did not say he was trying to strangle me. But he was shouting 'you owe Andrew money'. It was a shock."

George Deakin, 72, denied putting his hands around Lynda Coward's throat, and said that until his son had lost his job, he had enjoyed a good relationship with her.

He said there was verbal abuse on everyone's behalf, and he had got between his son and Lynda Coward out of "father's instinct, and I would do it again."

The trial was adjourned until later this month.

Throat 'grabbed' in argument over fruit machine