And on top of all the positive academic growth, the USW are headline sponsors of the South Wales Health & Care Awards, which take place at Rougemont School on Thursday, September 29.

In backing the 2022 ceremony, they will also be sponsoring the Outstanding Achievement Award, the winner of which is chosen from the 14 other award recipients.

“The need for skilled health and social care professionals is greater than ever, and at the University of South Wales we believe it’s important to celebrate and recognise the outstanding work, care and innovation across the sector to inspire others to choose a profession where you can make the biggest difference,” said Dr James Gravelle, dean of the faculty of life sciences and education.

“USW is for people who are engaged and who care about our society.

“Like many nominees who will be celebrated as part of the awards, at USW we change lives and our world for the better, improving the prospects of people and places.

“At USW, you start your career before you graduate, by combining hands-on learning with industry standard facilities and placements, giving graduates the head start they need.

“Whether you’re the first generation to attend university or continuing a family tradition, looking to study for the first time or part-time, USW helps every student thrive.

“New students quickly feel part of the USW family, benefitting from a support network of experienced staff who operate an open-door support policy for students.

“On placement, you’ll be assigned a mentor and supported by health care workers, managers, practice facilitators, and link lecturers.

“We’re as welcoming and down-to-earth as the place we call home. Always inspiring, always connected, and you’re always welcome.”

And as for what’s going on educationally, he added: “Last year, USW secured a multi-million-pound contract from Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) to deliver an expanded portfolio of healthcare courses over the next 10 years.

“Starting this month, it will add three new courses to USW’s existing health and social care portfolio: operating department practitioner, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

“We have delivered nursing and midwifery for three decades, and this is a further step in realising our ambition to be a major multi-disciplinary healthcare faculty, providing high quality health education for Wales.

“USW has incredible facilities across its campuses, preparing students for placement with practical learning in a safe space.

“For example, we are currently developing a new learning and teaching space for chiropractic students and staff on our Pontypridd campus.

“The work is the first phase of the overall development, which will also see a brand-new chiropractic clinic being built in 2023.

“The project will bring all chiropractic learning, teaching and treatments onto the same site.

“Another exciting development is the formation of the Research and Development Centre for Wales Institute of Digital Information (WIDI) at our Newport campus.

“USW has been given more than £2.3m as part of a multi-million-pound fund aimed at supporting local communities and economies.

“This will include the design and prototyping of an online Digital Health Village, which will provide nursing and allied healthcare students the opportunity to train in a simulated environment; the development of online teaching material; and the formulation of a strategy and educational resource for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to maximise the use of Artificial Intelligence in the delivery of health and care services.”

For information about USW, visit southwales.ac.uk

Wales needed victory in Cardiff to secure their place in the top flight of European football and relegate Poland to the second tier.

But Poland stood firm after Swiderski’s strike and Wales could not find a way through, with Gareth Bale going the closest when heading against the crossbar in stoppage time.

This was Wales’ final game before their first at a World Cup for 64 years, their Qatar opener against the United States on November 21 being less than two months away.

Skipper Bale returned to the starting line-up to win his 108th cap, just one short of Chris Gunter’s men’s national team record.

Bale was a second-half substitute in Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Belgium after arriving late on camp from America due to his playing commitments at Los Angeles FC.

The 33-year-old completed his first 90 minutes since the World Cup qualifier against Estonia last September.

Wales were depleted, with suspended pair Chris Mepham and Ethan Ampadu joining injured quartet Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies, Harry Wilson and Joe Allen on the sidelines.

Ben Cabango, Joe Morrell and Dylan Levitt also stepped up from the bench in Brussels, with Kieffer Moore – Wales’ goalscorer in Belgium – among the substitutes.

Poland, 26 on the FIFA rankings and seven places below Wales, were led by Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowksi and in need of a World Cup tonic themselves following some stuttering form.

There was a fast tempo to the opening exchanges but few openings in a lively first half notable for the amount of time Poland players spent on the floor.

The visitors’ willingness to go to ground, and stay there, angered home fans and raised the temperature inside the Cardiff City Stadium.

Swiderski almost pounced as Joe Rodon let the ball run back towards his own goal.

But the first goal attempt took 25 minutes to arrive when Lewandowski met a cross with his shoulder, rather than his head, and Wayne Hennessey safely gathered.

Wales’ first chance came when Cabango’s clearance allowed the speedy Daniel James to sprint into space.

James’ effort was blocked by Wojciech Szczesny, and the Juventus goalkeeper kicked away the winger’s follow-up cross with an outstretched leg.

The contest was suddenly opening up and Szczesny was out from his goal to smother after Connor Roberts’ long throw had found Bale.

Hennessey almost suffered embarrassment after letting a back pass roll under his foot. The goalkeeper had to stretch a long limb on the goal-line before clearing under pressure from Lewandowski.

Piotr Zielinski’s 20-yard shot caused fewer alarms, and Wales came close to taking the lead when Brennan Johnson’s effort struck James and fell inches wide of the post with Szczesny beaten.

The deadlock was broken after 57 minutes, and it owed as much to the brilliance of Lewandowski as the expert finishing of Swiderski.

Lewandowski’s sublime flick freed Swiderski for a controlled shot that went through the legs of Hennessey.

Wales almost replied instantly as Johnson wriggled free for a shot which Szczesny tipped around a post.

Moore and Rubin Colwill were sent on as Wales went for broke.

Szczesny showed his agility again to deny James and Rodon headed over, and Wales knew their luck was out when Bale’s header bounced back off the bar.

People in the club can share photos of whatever they desire – as long as they’re taken in Gwent – giving them the chance to showcase their wonderful work and let their imagination run wild.

Joining the camera club means that your photos maybe used – with credit – in print and online in South Wales Argus and our sister titles.

That includes in picture spreads, such as this one, which show the terrific talent in South Wales.

Want to join? Visit facebook.com/groups/argusphotosgroup

Joshua Deguara enjoyed photography at Wentwood

Matthew James snapped this at Trefil Quarry, Blaenau Gwent

Robin in Malpas pictured by Thomas Tasker

Great Twmbarlwm photo by Alison Smith

James Mclaren took this in Newport

Ridgeway in Newport photograph by Jane Daniels

Lee Kershaw shows Sugar Loaf – as seen from the Skirrid

Newport looking picturesque in this photo by Reyan Mohammed

Sandra Cavill took this picture in Chepstow

Form an orderly queue! Nigel Jones took this in Cwmbran

Pontypool photo by Gareth Mayers

Wonderful work by Paul Ruijs – taken in Newport

The Malpas hospital is backing the same award this time around, with Beechwood Surgery, Blaenavon Medical Practice and Western Vale Family Practice all in the running.

This year’s awards, sponsored by the University of South Wales, take place at Rougemont School on Thursday, September 29, when 16 prizes will be handed out to some very deserving winners.

A St Joseph’s spokesperson said: “St Joseph’s Hospital combines the specialist expertise of our consultants with our continual investment in the very latest technology to provide patients visiting us with immediate access to personalised care.

“We offer a range of services including specialist clinics, advanced diagnostics, and physiotherapy.

“With over 160 consultants available at the hospital, we strive to provide clinical excellence and quality care to each individual.

“We’ve been providing exceptional care for over 75 years and will continue to build on our success through the dedication of our people.

“Over the past few years, we have seen our employees come together to support one another and put our patients at the centre of their care with reassurance and kindness during a difficult time.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the South Wales Health & Care Awards and specifically the GP Practice of the Year category.

“Primary care services have played a key part in the past few years, supporting patients and putting their needs first when needed most.

“We wish all the finalists’ good luck and congratulate all for their continued hard work and success.”

Meanwhile, St Joseph’s CEO Stuart Hammond added: “We are pleased to sponsor the awards and celebrate the work of all in the healthcare industry throughout the past year.

“Well done to all and a big thank you for everyone’s outstanding care.”

For more information about St Joseph’s Hospital, visit stjosephshospital.co.uk

The incident occurred at 8.33pm, with the 5.23pm Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff service coming to a stop within the tunnel, which passes under the Severn Estuary.

Incident at Severn Tunnel picture: Jo Anna

Incident at Severn Tunnel. Picture: Jo Anna

Customers from the broken-down train were taken on towards Newport around two hours later, at 10.17pm.

A spokesperson for GWR said: “The cause of the fault is currently being investigated.

“Unfortunately, this closed the line into/out of South Wales while a track inspection was carried out, significantly delaying services through the area.

“Customers were either taken forward using a diversionary route, or by replacement bus service.

“We are really sorry to those caught up in the disruption. Those affected may be entitled to compensation and we would urge them to get in touch.

In a Facebook post Jo Anna said: “We were travelling at speed through the Severn Tunnel when the tunnel lit up as if a light had been turned on.

“I heard a loud noise and it felt like the train rode over something.

“I noticed the flames first on the right side of the train, externally, further down the carriage.

“Then it was as if the item on fire went underneath the carriage, came hurtling towards me (externally) bounded off the wall and hit the window next to me.

“The item was in flames as this happened. I smelt smoke and everyone in the carriage started to voice their concerns.

“When the train came out of the tunnel, I looked out the window and realised that the window had shattered.”

Liam Bennet, who was in another train travelling behind the train in question at the time, said: “We got stopped behind the one ahead and then taken back to Bristol Parkway.

“We were given very minimal information and kept there for almost three hours before finally moving off.”

National Rail said the line was clear again by 1am on Thursday morning.

Tom Lane was caught in the aftermath of the incident at Newport station.

He said: “Since arriving at the station and getting on a train it was about one hour and 45 minutes, some people had been there longer.

“The staff were really helpful, and we were able to wait for a train with everyone being looked after.”

GWR are urging those who were affected to get in touch as they may be entitled for compensation: https://www.gwr.com/help-and-support/refunds-and-compensation/delay-repay

It was hoped that Brown would return for the start of the campaign but the 25-year-old from Newport is set for at least two months on the sidelines after going under the knife.

“The surgery has gone really well but he’ll be out for a period of time,” said head coach Dai Flanagan.

“We’ve done everything medically correct to make sure we give him the fairest chance.

“He’s a young prop and the last thing you want on a young prop is surgery. We’ve given him the best possibly opportunity. 

“He’s been a machine in training and everything else. The surgery has gone well and we hope to get him back as soon as possible.”

Wales and Dragons prop Leon Brown has had surgery

“I’m not qualified to talk about the exact details of the operation, but it was hindering him with his strength,” continued Flanagan.

“He’d got back to a certain level, but there were certain movements and certain parts of the game that he can’t be fully secure on. This should help that.”

His absence is a hammer blow for the Dragons in their bid to make a strong start to the URC after winning just twice last season.

They endured a nightmare start when hammered 44-6 at Edinburgh and host Munster on Sunday before games against the Sharks (home), Benetton (away), Cardiff (away), Ospreys (home) and Zebre (home).

Brown’s absence leaves Lloyd Fairbrother and Chris Coleman as the options for the 3 jersey, backed up by novice Luke Yendle.

“Chris had a very good season last year and having Lloyd back [after a serious Achilles injury], with the quality of his scrum, is important,” said Flanagan. “They are fighting tooth and nail for the start each week.”

The Dragons were also without Wales looseheads Rhodri Jones (calf) and Rob Evans (cheekbone) against Edinburgh after their summer arrivals from the Ospreys and Scarlets respectively.

Both have returned to training this week and could come into contention for Munster, with the team announced at midday on Friday.