RESIDENTS are being invited to access a council registrar service in Welsh language.

Wrexham Council has introduced the public to Lois Russell-Fone, the authority's welsh-speaking registrar, via a video interview on its website.

A council spokesman said: "Our registrars do incredibly important work, and help people out at important times in their lives – covering sensitive work on matters such as births, deaths and marriages.

"Did you know we have a Welsh-speaking registrar?

"Lois Russell-Fone has been in the role since April this year, and has covered a lot of work during that time."

In the interview, Ms Russell-Fone explains: "I've been in this post since the end of April this year. I was working on the reception in the Guildhall. "I was seeing people coming in who were customers of the registration service and speaking to people within the department.

"I thought it was something that was challenging but also it is lovely that they get to see people from different walks of life. It really attracted me to that position."

Speaking of her time in the role so far, she continued: "I have been really lucky so far.

"I have seen aspects of all of [the job] - in my first week I got to go along and partake in some weddings which was lovely and I have also seen plenty of babies come through the door as well which is lovely.

"Also [I have] taken some death registrations also which is heartfelt, but people are really lovely.

"They share their stories and memories of their families, so it is nice that they were comfortable enough to share that really.

"It's a little bit of their life that they share with me so I have been very lucky so far.

"It is nice that - be it their darkest hour or something as nice as birth - you are able to help them. We do try and comfort them as much as we can."

Asked what she'd say to people considering using the service in Welsh, she concluded: "Do it - I am friendly, I am happy, I'm here to help. "If you're contacting the contact centre, please let them know and ask them that you do request a Welsh speaker and I will be available to you.

"If that's what your comfortable speaking, use it.

"And even if you're not that comfortable and you're learning and you'd like to use that service, just do it. I'll take it at your pace."