THE WELSH Government has unveiled plans to expand medical education across the country, providing new opportunities to those wanting to study in areas such as Bangor.

From 2019, through collaboration between Cardiff and Bangor Universities, students will be able to undertake the entirety of their undergraduate medical degrees in north Wales.

Plaid Cymru Arfon AM Siân Gwenllian and MP Hywel Williams have been campaigning to bring full undergraduate medical training to Bangor for many years.

They say that the new plans by the Welsh Government will be a "huge boost" to Bangor as it will increase the chances of those trained at the University staying local after they complete their degree.

A joint statement released by the pair this week read: "This is excellent news as it will mean that for the first time doctors will be based in Bangor for medical training.

"As there is overwhelming evidence to show that medical students stay to become GP's and doctors in the area they are trained, this development is great news for patients who currently face long waiting times for appointments due to doctor shortages.

"We have been pressing hard for full undergraduate medical training in Bangor and I’m glad that the Government has listened.

"This is a collective victory and we would like to thank everyone who campaigned with us and to colleagues in Bangor University and Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board for their determination in achieving this goal."

Bangor University vice-chancellor, Professor John G. Hughes says he is "excited" by the developments which were officially announced on Monday.

"We very much look forward to working with both Cardiff University and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in order to educate many more doctors in north Wales over the coming years," he said.

"This development, starting in 2019, will allow us to introduce more medical students to north Wales, which will no doubt be of benefit to patients and the public in the region."