A Member of the Senedd has been named chairman of a group which champions small shops.

At the Senedd's cross-party group on small shops' AGM on November 6, Montgomeryshire MS Russell George was elected chairman.

Mr George said: "As a former small shop owner myself, I was delighted to be elected as chair of this cross-party group on small shops.

"I want to use this role to help advocate for local and small businesses, ensuring that their voices are heard.

"Access to cash is crucial for communities across Wales, especially in rural areas where many residents rely on cash transactions.

"We must work together to safeguard cash access, ensuring that the people of Wales can engage fully with their local economies and maintain the health of our high streets."

The group's main purpose is to ensure the voice of small shops is heard within the Welsh Parliament.

At the meeting, the significance of access to cash for communities was discussed.

Members of the Association of Convenience Stores, which represents thousands of shops across the UK, presented current trends in access to cash in the convenience store sector.

They emphasised the key role cash plays in local communities and businesses.

A representative from the Financial Conduct Authority also attended, bringing attention to the latest interventions protecting cash access for rural communities and their implications for Welsh businesses.

The group also heard from a postmaster who shared his experience of running a post office and the continued importance of cash for his customers.