THE UK Prime Minister Theresa May escaped Westminster for a relaxing visit to Gwynedd over the Easter weekend - without calling a snap General Election.

During her previous visit to the county at the same time last year, Mrs May decided to go to the ballot box several years early after taking a walk in the north Wales countryside.

That decision - just a month after Article 50 was triggered and began the UK’s exit from the European Union - led to a disastrous election last June, which saw her party lose its majority.

This year, Mrs May, and her husband Philip - both keen walkers - enjoyed the sights and shops of Dolgellau without, it seems, making any massive political decisions.

Mrs May, who was on a getaway walking holiday and walked part of the Cader Idris trail, attended an Easter service at St Mary’s Church in Dolgellau. She visited the church twice last year, including for a Palm Sunday service.

Mr and Mrs May also succumbed to a little retail therapy on her trip and returned to Celf Aran Arts in Dolgellau after a similar visit last year.

The couple bought several Welsh hand-crafted items including a Celtic ring made by Barmouth jeweller Anna Hicks of Celtic Treasure, Welsh slate coasters from Matt Fletcher of Set in Stone, cufflinks by Tony Vine of Stonetones, a jug made by Tyr Pinder, a small painted box by Tish Bartlett, and honey from Trees and Bees.

Mrs May bought two silver rings from Anna Hicks and coasters from Matt Fletcher at the shop - which displays the work of 16 local artists - on her trip last year.