2012 in review: Top stories of the year in South and West Wales

As 2012 comes to a close, we've gone through the archives to bring you the most read stories of the year.

January

A Neath couple said they could barely afford a bus ticket to visit their premature twins in hospital as they were so poor.

Swansea City looked to tie down deals for Gylfi Sigurdsson, Rory Donnelly as well as Darnel Situ.

The Libanus Chapel in Cwmbwrla was the victim of a suspected arson attack.

February

The Army's bomb squad carried out a controlled explosion in Swansea.

Firefighters tackled a blaze at Asda in Llanelli.

Tony Pulis said fans would never let Stoke City play the Swansea way.

March

Body discovered on Swansea beach.

Swansea police car rammed after 120mph chase.

Brendan Rodgers insisted he would not be interested in taking over at Chelsea after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked.

April

Scarlets rugby legend Ieuan Evans left stunned after his sister Non Thomas was found dead at the bottom of cliffs.

Neath FC facing boot from Welsh Premier League.

Dead man found in Gower was home to plan father's funeral.

May

Brendan Rodgers was the bookmakers' favourite to be offered the chance to take over at Liverpool even though he previouly declined the opportunity to speak to the Reds' owners.

Labour wins control of Swansea Council.

The Olympic torch relay came to South and West Wales and we brought you the latest from day one and day two .

June

Six days after he was unveiled as the new manager of Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers asked the Evening Post to print his open letter to Swansea City's supporters.

A cardiac surgeon admitted to lying on the floor of a supermarket to look up a woman's skirt.

After joining Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers urged Gylfi Sigurdsson to sign for Swansea City. He was ready to sign a permanent deal in May but the 23-year-old felt he could not commit his future to the Swans without Rodgers.

July

Swansea mum's anguish turns to joy as lost daughter, 4, is found.

Swansea City rejected Liverpool's £12 million for Joe Allen.

A killer who was punching and kicking his victim to death stopped to pose for a "trophy photograph" with the dying man, a court heard.

August

Joe Allen completed his £15 million switch to Liverpool.

Two parents were jailed for a series assaults on their daughter because they disapproved of her boyfriend's skin colour.

Swansea City told Valencia to give them an answer on Pablo Hernandez as they looked to close in on deals for Marvin Emnes and Ashley Westwood during a hectic week of transfer activity.

September

Ex-Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan said farewell to our shores after Scott Sinclair joined Manchester City.

Three Swansea teenagers had the shock of their lives when a car collided with their home. Swansea were on the hunt for for a new left-back after Neil Taylor suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

October

A two-year old was rushed to hospital after drinking from a glass of whisky which was accidentally served to him in a Swansea restaurant.

April Jones fears spark 'school grounds ban for parents' at Swansea primary school. Peter Schmeichel visited Swansea's training ground to catch up with old pal Michael Laudrup and tipped the Dane to turn the Swans into an established top-flight club.

November

Nine people appeared in court charged with taking part in an alleged large-scale UK-wide mobile phone scam.

Ashley Williams ramped up the heat ahead of Liverpool's visit to Swansea by revealing he dislikes Luis Suarez more than any other player.

A man was found dead on a bridge over the M4 in Port Talbot.

December

Swansea City aim to extend the Liberty Stadium by 12,000 seats.

Michael Laudrup spelled out his pride in Swansea City's achievements so far this season.

Family pay tribute to 'beautiful daughter' Charmaine Macmuiris who was found dead in Carmarthen on Christmas Day.