CHRISTMAS may be just around the corner but it’s still all systems go in the constituency.

I recently had the honour of opening the new Llanhilleth Heritage Centre, based at Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute.

The aim is to create a digital archive of the history of the Llanhilleth, Brynithel, Aberbeeg and Swffryd area for future generations and it’s run by a small but dedicated group of volunteers.

It’s great to see the community taking the initiative and doing what they can to preserve their heritage.

I wish them every success and I look forward to seeing how they are getting on in the New Year.

If you have any memories, pictures or memorabilia of area, call into the heritage centre with your information.

Now as you can imagine, I have had the pleasure of attending a number of festive events throughout the borough over the last couple of weeks from concerts to Christmas lights switch-ons, all of which have been organised by the community for the benefit of that community.

I have been reminded of the generosity of the people of our valleys and I would appeal for those people to support the campaign I launched last week to give donations to the Blaenau Gwent foodbank.

The charity behind the foodbank, the Trussell Trust, helps thousands of people every year who for various reasons are in crisis and need support.

Giving just a few items can make all the difference to a family who are struggling to ends meet.

Items that can be donated include: milk (UHT/powered), sugar, fruit juice, soup, tinned meat, tinned fish, tinned vegetables, pasta, rice, cereals, tea/coffee, biscuits, snack bars, jam, tinned fruit, pasta sauce, instant mash potato.

If you would like to give a donation, please call in to my office at 23 Beaufort Street, Brynmawr, call his office on (01495) 311160 or email laura.doel@wales.gov.uk by the end of January.

To find out more details on the food bank call 0845 600 77 80 or email info@festivalchurch.co.uk

May I take this opportunity wish everyone in my constituency a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.