During today’s questions to the First Minister, Ms Jones will highlight the increasing popularity of local produce such as Vale of Clwyd Lamb while stressing the importance of matching such local success to the wider attraction of the area.

Ann Jones AM said: “The physical environment of the Vale of Clwyd is often seen as it’s star attraction which is why I am convinced that we can match this image with the promotion of the high quality produce that’s made right here on our doorstep.

“Products like Snowdonia Cheese, Vale of Clwyd Lamb and other local produce are extremely popular and we should be raising their profile to encourage supermarkets to put them on their shelves.

“I will be asking the First Minister to ensure that the Assembly Government does all it can to nurture the potential of local produce in the Vale of Clwyd.”

During Assembly questions on the economy, Ms Jones described the policy as the perfect example of how genuine social partnerships can work between Government, trade unions and business.

The UNITE union has offered employees opportunities for training ranging from gym instructing to professional photography to help avoid redundancies as companies suffered the effects of the recession.

The Fire Brigades Union, of which Ms Jones was formerly an official, has also used the Wales Union Learning Fund to provide courses in areas such as IT to cleaning and office staff as well as fire fighters.

One former fire fighter has benefited from office, IT and Spanish courses to help him return to work after suffering a spinal injury that left him disabled at the age of 28.

Conservative AM, Alun Cairns, responded to Ann Jones by describing the Wales Union Learning Fund as an ‘iniquitous’ initiative that should be cut.

Ann Jones AM said: “The Wales Union Learning Fund offers real opportunities for those who may have been failed earlier on in life to make the most of learning.

“There are so many examples of workers showing real commitment to gain promotion, re-train for a new job or even start their own enterprise.

“The fact is, this fund opens doors to new skills, especially in the IT field. It is vital that this scheme is maintained as we seek to build a highly skilled workforce in the coming years and decades.

“I am shocked that Alun Cairns and the Tories see this as a waste. Major employers have benefited from the knock effects of these courses as the recession bit so its time for the Tories to drop the dogma and accept that workers deserve good representation.”

“I pay tribute to all our teachers, parents and governors for their hard work in helping learners reach their potential.

“It is also fantastic to see the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification going from strength to strength. There has been a big uptake in pupils entering the award this year and it means an extra 4000 plus learners have the equivalent of an A grade at A level on top of those students taking the standard A level examinations.

“I wish all students the very best as they continue their educational journey.”

The Charity, which recently instated Prince William as Patron, will use a £7m campaign to protect and create around 2,000 playing fields across the UK and Ann Jones wants Denbighshire to be a part of it.

Ann Jones said: “This investment is designed to create and improve access to play which is important for the whole community.

“Not every area can benefit from this charity campaign which is why I want Denbighshire to be at the front of the queue when the projects begin.

“It is tragic that short sighted decisions at Denbighshire County Council lost us the Ryder Cup legacy golf course so I want to see a real effort to make funds like this one work for our community. I urge residents to get in touch with the local authority’s Leisure and Youth Services to let them know which area is most deserving of this kind of investment.”

Ann Jones AM joined North East Wales Veterans at Rhyl Events Arena last Saturday to commemorate the sacrifices of servicemen and women, past and present.

In the build up to Armed Forces Day today, the Labour AM joined Rhyl Town Mayor. Margaret McCarroll, and a public gathering to observe a veteran’s parade and learn more about the life of armed servicemen and women from the area.

The day is an annual opportunity for the nation to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families and from veterans to cadets.

Labour AM Ann Jones said: “I think it’s fantastic that we now have a day to formally thank our service men and women.

“I pay tribute to all our armed forces members, past and present, who have made great sacrifices to defend the UK and its interests and contribute to international peace keeping operations.

“The nation owes them all a debt of gratitude.”

For more information log on to the Armed Forces Day website at www.armedforcesday.org.uk

The Vale of Clwyd AM today ridiculed the Chancellor’s slogan claiming “we’re all in this together” when estimates show that ConDem cuts will mean a 3.6% fall in household incomes for Welsh families compared with 0.5% in the Home Counties.

Experiments carried out by the Financial Times have made it clear that Osborne’s planned cuts will hit the poorest hardest as deep and immediate cuts dominate the agenda.

The research also shows that a 20% cut in public spending will affect North Wales by more than 10% than that of the national average.

The Labour AM also attacked the decision to raise VAT from 17.5% to 20%, describing it as a regressive tax hike affecting low income families and pensioners as well as small businesses.

Ann Jones said: “This is exactly why people in the Vale of Clwyd came out to vote Labour on 6th May. The ConDem Coalition has no regard for the people of North Wales or anyone North of Witney for that matter.

“Whilst in power, Labour focussed record investment into revitalising local economies in deprived parts of the UK – something that Rhyl is still benefitting from. The Tories are determined to reverse this as soon as possible.

“Cameron and Osborne tell us this is tough – don’t let them. It isn’t tough to slash the incomes of families in the places that need help most – it’s wicked.

“This budget risks growth and guarantees inequality.

“The figures speak for themselves, North Wales will suffer a hit greater than 10% than that of the national average and a rise in VAT will further slash the incomes of the most vulnerable including pensioners and low income families.

“The Tories have abandoned Wales every time they’ve won power. They’re doing it again – and in record time.”

Vale of Clwyd AM, Ann Jones, welcomed changes announced by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government to extend the scheme and said it encouraged tens of thousands of young people to take regular exercise free of charge.

A change to the minimum criteria of the current scheme, means that local authorities will now offer free swimming sessions or other leisure centre activities for children aged 16 and under on weekends as well as school holidays.

Ann Jones AM said: “Free swimming has been an extremely popular policy since it was introduced in 2004 by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.

“These changes will make the scheme even more widely available so young people can benefit all year round.

“Free swimming allows youngsters to learn an important skill, enjoy themselves and keep fit at no extra cost – I hope kids in the Vale of Clwyd can make the most of this great scheme!”

Between 1 September 2002 and 5 April 2008 3,244 Child Trust Fund accounts were opened in the Vale of Clwyd. These accounts have also benefited from Child Trust Fund Cymru payments which act as a top up for children in Wales.

The UK Government announcement was met with anger by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Children’s Minister, Huw Lewis AM who described the action as “anti-child”.

Along with local MP Chris Ruane, Ann Jones spent Saturday morning discussing the issue with families and other shoppers on Rhyl High Street.

Ann Jones AM said: “The Conservatives and their Lib Dem helpers are taking this action with zeal.

“They simply don’t believe that we should act to help our young people get a good start in life – here is the proof. The increased payments for children in low income families and the Child Trust Fund Cymru top-up for Welsh children were all part of Labour’s fight to eradicate child poverty.

“Its clear that the ConDem coalition has given up this fight – shame on them!

“With more than 3,200 accounts opened in the Vale of Clwyd alone it’s clear that this was a popular initiative. Children born from next year onwards will now miss out on this excellent idea thanks to Clegg and Cameron.”

This investment will allocate £600,000 for improvements at Prestatyn Bus Station.

The funding will be shared between the four regional transport consortia that represent local authorities. Each of the consortia has submitted a Regional Transport Plan to the Assembly Government that outlines how they will maintain and improve the transport network in their area.

Ann Jones AM said: “This funding proves Labour’s commitment to modern and safe public transport systems right across the country.

“Labour’s free busses have proven how popular bus travel is amongst older people especially so this investment really is aimed at the needs of the local area.

“I’m sure this will help boost the image of the town and I hope those everyday journeys are more pleasant and accessible!”

The pilot will comprise of a network of local projects across Wales providing laptops for up to 1,200 children aged ten to eleven, from selected schools in Communities First and Flying Start areas. Each project will have a strong focus on learning as well as supporting digital inclusion.

The Welsh Assembly Government will provide £300,000 funding in the financial year 2009-10 and £400,000 in the financial year 2010-11 for the pilot.

Ann Jones AM said: “Computers are a core part of everyday life, especially in the workplace, which is why we must help every child become computer literate.

“This scheme will open up fantastic new opportunities for learning at Ysgol Emmanuel. I am pleased that the Labour-led Assembly Government is targeting Communities First and Flying Start areas with this pilot because digital exclusion is always more prevalent in deprived communities.

“Children in these areas should have the same opportunity as others to develop good ICT skills and I hope pupils in Ysgol Emmanuel enjoy the benefits this scheme.

“I hope these pilots will prove successful and look forward to a roll out of the scheme across Wales.”