A FORMER Torfaen schoolboy has been selected as Plaid Cymru’s candidate for the area in next year’s Welsh Assembly elections.

Matthew Woolfall Jones grew up in Pontypool and went to Welsh-speaking school Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw before studying at Aberystwyth University.

The 27-year-old said he was planning to be out and about across Torfaen over the coming months to meet residents and learn more about what their main concerns are.

“I’m delighted to have been chosen to stand for Torfaen,” he said. “I wouldn’t try for anywhere else.

“It’s where I was born, where I live and where I feel that I will make a big difference for the good of our community.”

Saying he wanted to “bring Torfaen up to its full economic potential, Mr Jones said if elected his priorities would include improving the NHS and education services as well as services for older people.

“I want our children to receive the best and most inspiring education,” he said.

“I want people who need and receive treatment to get the highest standard by staff that are treated fairly and with respect by the government.

“I will work for a better Torfaen and for all that live here.”

Plaid Cymru’s deputy leader Elin Jones said she was “really pleased” by Mr Jones’ selection.

“For all the time that I’ve known him Matthew has talked about how he wants to make a change do the best by his area,” she said.

‘Plaid Cymru has a really positive view about the potential of Wales and, as shadow health minister, I know through working with Matthew that we can really boost health services in Torfaen.”

She added the party’s plans to recruit and train 1,000 new doctors and address ambulance times would particularly benefit Torfaen, where the NHS has missed more targets than anywhere else in Wales.

“Torfaen needs someone who will really champion the area and work for all in the constituency,” she said.

“That person is Matthew Woolfall Jones”.