Japanese pioneer under threat

The first Japanese company to come to Wales through inward investment could close with the loss of 57 jobs unless a buyer can be found.

Takiron at Bedwas near Caerphilly has suffered accumulated losses of around £6m over the last six years and the parent company said on Monday it could no longer carry on.

A final decision has still to be taken, but the company faces closure at the end of March if no buyer is found.

Finance director Huw Perry blamed the strength of the pound, combined with rising costs of raw materials, and increased operating costs.

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The Deeside-based frozen food chain Iceland has appointed a new managing director.

He is Andrew Pritchard, who was previously finance director. Iceland said the current managing director Russell Ford had decided to leave following the appointment of Bill Grimsey as chief executive.

Body found in hospital grounds

A patient from the Bronllys hospital near Brecon, has been found dead in the hospital grounds.

The unnamed man, an in-patient at the hospital, went missing during Saturday evening but despite an extensive search of the grounds and local area was not found.

His body was discovered the next morning by staff.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and the coroner has been informed.

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Man in child abuse arrest

A 55-year-old man has been arrested in connection with child abuse offences dating back 30 years.

The man from Wellington, Somerset is accused of sexually and physically abusing children in care establishments around Penarth and Cardiff during the late 1960s.

He was charged with a number of sexual offences and was bailed to appear before magistrates in two weeks time.

The arrest is part of the police operation Goldfinch which was launched in April 1997 to investigate alleged child abuse in care estabishments throughout south Wales.

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Seaside death not suspicious

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed they are not treating the death of a 21-year-old man in Aberystwyth at the weekend as suspicious.

Timothy Rolls was found in Marine Terrace near the Phinikki Cafe Bar at about 0110 GMT on Sunday.

His body was taken to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth where he was pronounced dead.

A post mortem examination is to be carried out.

The coroner has been informed.

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Search for missing boy

Police and coastguards are still searching for a 15-year-old who is missing from his home near Cardigan.

Jerome Thomas disappeared from his home at Gwbert-on-Sea at 1330 GMT on New Year's Day.

Police appealed for people who were walking along the coastal path below the Cliff Hotel that afternoon to come forward.

They also believe he may have tried to make his way to relatives in west Sussex.

Jerome's father believes his son may have left home after being told to do more revision for his mock GCSE exams.