THE magic of Bardsey island and tales of Abergwyngregyn are to feature in a TV series returning in the New Year.

A brand new series of Cynefin, which explores communities across Wales, is back on screens at 8pm, on Sunday evenings from January 6.

Over eight weeks viewers will get a detailed glimpse of different areas and their communities.

The first of the S4C shows looks at Bardsey Island. From monks to pirates to kings, the programme also catches up with the 20,000 Manx Shearwaters who visit the island annually.

Other areas in the spotlight are Abergwyngregyn, Llanrwst, Dyfi Valley, Wrexham, the Ystwyth Valley, Swansea and Fishguard,

Presenter Heledd Cynwal will meet local characters who guide her through the area’s hidden nooks and crannies.

Archaeologist Iestyn Jones explores the history that has helped define the area in question and Siôn Tomos Owen looks at the local myths and folk tales.

According to the presenter Heledd Cynwal: "I freely admit that, following the first series, I was quite ashamed about how little I knew about our communities, of their history, the people that lived there and the fascinating traditions.

“It was a wonderful eye-opener and the good news is that viewers are in for more of the same this time round – from the open spaces of the Pembrokeshire coast to the industrial north east to the rural hinterland of mid Wales. So why not join us on the journey – I can promise you’ll have no regrets!”

One of Bardsey’s fantastic sights is the 20,000 Manx Shearwaters that return every year on their annual breeding pilgrimage, a sight that Sian Stacey, the warden of the island never tires of seeing,

“I started coming to the island when I was eight years old on holiday with my family. My father used to bring us to see the birds and we loved it. I remember playing with the other children, swimming and crabbing.

"We came every year and never wanted to go anywhere else and I’m still the same now. It’s an incredible place to live and work.”