North-south air link's birthday

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The first anniversary of the air service between north and south Wales will be marked with a special flight between Cardiff and Anglesey later.

The service has carried more than 14,000 passengers since its first flight on 8 May 2007.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones will be on the Highland Airways flight and said the service had been a "huge success", beating expectations.

The service is subsidised by the Welsh Assembly Government.

It provides two daily return flights from Monday to Friday between Valley in Anglesey and Cardiff International Airport in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The air service links Welsh communities and businesses and plays a part in helping to draw together the nation Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones

The flight, on an 18-seater aircraft, takes about an hour.

Colin Munro, contract manager for Highland Airways, said the company was "astonished at the uptake for this service".

He added: "We have faced many challenges making this new service a success.

"However, we perhaps face an even bigger challenge meeting the huge demand for travel within Wales."

The Deputy First Minister said the demand reflected the need for the connection.

"Efficient, convenient transport networks within Wales are vital to stimulate enterprise and support economic growth," he added.

"The air service links Welsh communities and businesses and plays a part in helping to draw together the nation, in line with the ambitions we set out in One Wales."

The assembly government is providing the service with £2.4m over three years.