Refugees from Ukraine and other countries will be able to apply for free bus travel and entry to Cadw sites once they arrive in Wales.

The Welcome Ticket scheme, which will be available to refugees and people arriving from Ukraine, will cover most bus services running in Wales.

It provides all eligible people free, unlimited travel on local bus services, including those operating into England where the journey starts or finishes in Wales.

The Welcome Ticket scheme will run for six months ending on September 30, 2022.

First Cymru, which operates bus services in Cowbridge, Bridgend and Swansea, has joined the scheme.

Lee Waters, deputy minister for Climate Change, said: "This free bus scheme – called Welcome Ticket – will be available to all refugees who are already here or are arriving in Wales and will allow unlimited free travel on the majority of local bus services across Wales and those operating to England if they start or finish in Wales.

"This is a major step forward in ensuring refugees and people from Ukraine can travel freely across Wales – it will help them to integrate into Wales and make a positive contribution to our nation.

"I want to pay tribute to all those bus companies across Wales for taking part in this scheme – it demonstrates their commitment to making Wales a real nation of sanctuary."

The Welcome Ticket is a voluntary scheme in which bus companies across Wales can choose to take part.

People will need to show evidence of their eligibility for the scheme, which may be their passport or visa when boarding.

They will then be given a Welcome Ticket by the bus driver.

Cadw has also announced its scheme to offer free individual or family entry to all Cadw sites for refugees and those seeking sanctuary in Wales.

Visitors to Cadw sites who are refugees, asylum seekers or people from Ukraine will need to show appropriate documentation from the Home Office.

Dawn Bowden, deputy minister for Arts and Sport, added: "I'm delighted to see Cadw playing its part in showing what being a Nation of Sanctuary means.

"This offer will be in place until October 25, ensuring all those who come to Wales seeking sanctuary will have the opportunity to view and visit Welsh cultural and heritage sites across the country free of charge."

Find out more about the Welcome Ticket scheme here.