This weekend was Remembrance Sunday, where people throughout the UK gathered to remember those brave servicemen and women who fought and died for our freedom.

I attended a number of events to commemorate those fallen heroes, the Ebbw Vale Festival of Remembrance, the wreath laying ceremonies in Brynmawr, Nantyglo and Blaina and the service at Christchurch Ebbw Vale. They were just a handful of the many events held all over Blaenau Gwent and what strikes me about all these is the pride we all have in our armed forces.

There were hundreds of people at the events, of all ages, all there with one aim, to pay their respects.

The passion and community spirit we have here in Blaenau Gwent never fails to amaze me.

My thanks go out to all those who organised the commemoration events and a special mention to the dedicated members of the Royal British Legion who work so hard during this time of year selling poppies to support our veterans and their families.

I would also like to pass on my congratulations to Rev Viv Nicholls of Zion Baptist Chapel, Llanhilleth who recently celebrated 25 years of ministry and the church.

Viv, who is a fellow member of the Abertillery Royal British Legion among many other organisations, celebrated with a service at the chapel.