A WOMAN from Gwynedd who campaigned to ban the use of animals in circuses says she is "shocked but pleased" to hear that the first minister of Wales has approved her request.

Speaking at the Welsh Assembly last week, Carwyn Jones, said he would grant the motion before he leaves his position at the end of 2018.

This was the news that Linda Joyce-Jones of Caernarfon had been waiting for for several years.

"I can't quite believe it, it is a really nice surprise," she said.

"I have worked really hard to eradicate this cruel practice of using animals in circuses as I believe it is a real thing of the past.

"I am so very pleased that my wish is about to come true."

Circus Mondao have recently put on shows in northern parts of Wales, such as Pwllheli and Dwygyfylchi, as their summer tour continues.

Camels, llamas and ponies are just some of the animals that have been used as part of the acts during their shows.

In the past, they have drawn criticism from several animal rights groups, such as Animal Defenders International (ADI) who say the use of animals in circuses is an "outdated practice".

Mondao Circus representatives hit back, claiming that the animals were kept in "suitable conditions" and were "well looked after".

Arfon's Hywel Williams MP and Sian Gwenllian AM have backed Linda Joyce-Jones' campaign all the way and say they are pleased by the final outcome.

"We are delighted that the Welsh Government has finally indicated its intention to ban the use of wild animals in circuses," Mr Williams said.

"This news has been a long-time coming after years of indecision. We are pleased that Wales will now fall in line with other countries and put a stop to these cruel institutions.

"Plaid Cymru has long campaigned to end the practice of exhibiting wild animals in circuses, a view shared by ninety four per cent of respondents to a government public consultation on the issue.

"We would also like to pay tribute to our constituent Linda, whose petition calling for an end to the practice and dogged determination on the matter led to a debate in the Assembly and eventually this fantastic outcome."

Linda said the news was "the best gift" she could have asked for as it coincided with her 54th birthday.

"It feels as though all the hard work has paid of and I'm glad that these cruel practices will now come to an end." she said.