GWENT’S police chief renewed a call for random breath tests as he helped launch the Welsh Christmas and New Year drink-drive campaign.

The influenza epidemic continued with three Gwent hospitals forced to close their doors to some patients because one in four nurses had been struck down with the virus.

Police were hunting for a masked gunman who had held up Acorn Motors, Tredegar, after pointing a double-barrelled shotgun into the face of the male attendant and getting away with just £40.

A 500-signature petition was being sent to British Rail from passengers on the Pontypool to Newport 8.06am train which was continually overcrowded.