Conwy

"We're expected to go back to work after nine months and obviously it's a long time from then until three and that's when you need the help really," said Ms Ryan, a teacher from Llansannan in Conwy county who is currently on maternity leave.

Karen Jones, who runs a holiday let business in Conwy county, said she and her husband were often contacting regulars offering a 20% discount to encourage visits in February and March.

One of those extolling the scheme's virtues in the run up to Easter was Welsh government transport minister Ken Skates, who joined other passengers heading towards Pen y Pass from the national park gateway village of Betws y Coed in Conwy county.

Foden, from Old Colwyn in Conwy county, was head teacher of Ysgol Friars in Bangor and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle in Penygroes.

The 7.2% average uplift for all councils is the second largest since 2003, with the 10% rise in Conwy county called "diabolical" by one resident.