I am immensely proud of the Islwyn area in which I have lived for most of my life.

I am the daughter of an ex-miner and was born, brought up and still live in Cwmcarn.

I believe investing in the health service, schools and trying to provide real jobs is vital to improving our community. This will only come about with a Labour-led Assembly working with Labour at Westminster.

Labour has doubled the investment in the NHS, we are treating more patients and waiting times are down, we have provided more doctors and nurses. We have delivered on our promise of free prescriptions for all. I welcome the plans for the new hospital, something that would never have come about without a Labour administration.

I will be asking for more investment in CCTVB systems in Islwyn to protect residents and discourage anti social behaviour.

Labour is cracking down on crime, with more police officers and community support officers employed than ever before. I want to see an anti social behaviour unit in every local authority. Labour will introduce a "Tidy Towns" programme making local authorities keep towns and villages free from litter and graffiti.

Labour has a proven record of delivering services for our senior citizens, who deserve the best. We have introduced and will maintain free bus travel for over 60's and disabled. The new Ebbw Valley rail link will soon be open. Labour will offer discounted travel for pensioners.

Labour has introduced the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme providing grants to help pensioners heat their homes more efficiently.

I believe that investment in education is important and as a ex teacher I want to see more opportunities for young people.

We began the "Fling Start Programme" for our youngest children, Labour will ensure its continuation. I want to see the safe routes to school and the 20mph zone extended to all school routes and areas in Islwyn.

Labour promises to provide 25,000 apprenticeships for youngsters.

My goal is to transform Wales into an area with a clean sustainable future.

Having lived in Islwyn all my life, I know the people here and I believe they deserve the best and I am convinced that only Labour will deliver this. If I am re-elected I will do all that I can to ensure that the people of Islwyn receive the best.