STAFF from across Torfaen will celebrate LGBT issues this week to mark the start of Pride Cymru events in Cardiff.

Torfaen County Borough Council will fly the Rainbow Flag outside the civic centre in Pontypool for a week, from Friday, August 25, to celebrate the start of festivities this weekend.

This year's Pride Cymru event marks the 50-year anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality through the Sexual Offences Act 1967.

On Friday, Torfaen staff have been invited to dress down and wear rainbow colours to support the LGBT community with all donations going towards non-profit organisation Stonewall Cymru.

Torfaen CBC's executive member for communities, housing and anti-poverty with responsibility for equalities, David Daniels, said: "Leo Abse championed the change in legislation and was the Member of Parliament for Pontypool at that time so there is a particular connection with our area.

"The council is Stonewall Diversity Champion and we are very proud of our association on this legislation that significantly improved the lives of many people suffering discrimination and persecution".

The fundraising is also being supported locally by Melin Homes, Torfaen Leisure Trust, Citizens Advice Bureau and TRAC2.

Melin Homes will donating £1 from all staff taking part in their celebrations to Pride Cymru and are inviting staff to watch the film ‘Pride’ over lunch on Friday.

For more information on Pride Cymru, visit: www.pridecymru.co.uk