Proposals to change the school term timetable in Wales have come under attack from the organisers of the Royal Welsh Show. Welsh Government has opened a consultation on revamping the school year.

Phase one of the changes could see an extra week added on the October half term - with a week cut from the start of the current six week summer school holidays. But this would see pupils still in school when the Royal Welsh Show traditionally takes place.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society(RWAS) says this will deny thousands of Welsh youngsters the opportunity to attend the world famous event. It would also mean a serious financial black hole as incomes are hit.

They have submitted "a robust response" to the consultation document and have called for an urgent meeting with Education minister Jeremy Miles. Welsh Government said they are working with organisers to make sure pupils can attend.

READ MORE: 'It hurts to eat' rare disorder that people thought was all in Annie-Rose's head

READ MORE: Welsh Government criticised by UK statistics regulator over 20mph claim

In a statement to North Wales Live, RWAS said: "The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society strongly opposes the proposal to amend the school term dates. The Royal Welsh Show is a highlight for many families and young people across Wales and it is one of our major cultural festivals which must take place during school holidays.

"The school holidays should embrace major events like the Royal Welsh Show as they are so important for our rural and Welsh speaking communities. We are extremely concerned about the impact these changes will have, including taking away the ability for young people, families, teachers and school staff to attend the Royal Welsh Show and removing the opportunity for young people to compete at the show and showcase their skills.

"The proposal would also result in serious financial harm to our gate income and membership sales together with a number of practical implications, such as the availability of school buses for our park and ride facility. We have called for an urgent meeting with the Welsh Government’s Minister for Education, Jeremy Miles MS, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss our concerns with the government in more detail.

"Over the coming weeks, we will be collating evidence to support our objection to these proposals and we will be submitting a robust response to the consultation document. And we urge all our members and stakeholders to do the same."

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are working with the organisers and local authorities to support them in making sure learners and staff can attend the Royal Welsh Show.”

On the overall timetable revamp, the education minister said: “The long summer break can be a real strain. Families struggle to find childcare over the six weeks, and others struggle with the additional costs long summers bring. We also know our most disadvantaged learners suffer the most ‘learning loss’ from a long summer.

"There are plenty of examples of local authorities across the UK changing their school calendar to suit local needs. We want to make sure education works best for pupils, teachers, and families. We’re looking for people’s views on these changes and what it would mean for them.”

Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox