BRfm SUPPORTING WALES: Ian Lamsdale, AKA Lamsie - BRfm radio presenter and resident DJ of The Banc pub in Maindee, Newport - brought home the true atmosphere of the Six Nations last weekend.

BRfm is Blaenau Gwent's new community radio service broadcasting to the area on 97.3FM on a five-year license from Ofcom and has an average of 40,000 individual visitors to it's website brfm.co.uk every month.

Since the start of Wales' Six Nations campaign this year, Lamsie, apresenter with BRfm, the community radiostation for Blaenau Gwent, has been broadcasting live from various local pubs throughout Blaenau Gwent.

With theGrand Slam within reach, Lamsie presented his Saturday Show live to Blaenau Gwent from The Banc from 11am on Saturday, March 15, reporting back during the two matches building up to Wales vs France at 5pm.

Half time reports and full time whistles were broadcast from Newport for the first time ever on 97.3fm in Blaenau Gwent, and in Newport and across the world on brfm.co.uk To celebrate,BRfm took 16 lucky listeners to Newport courtesy of Mel Morgan Sports of Ebbw Vale, Wow Bus Hire of Blaina and The Accident Management Centre also in Blaina.

Lamsie said: "The passion for Welsh rugby in Newport was heard across the world on the internet and on 97.3FM in Blaenau Gwent.

"It's also about time the Newport city community had its own voice and this is the start of raising awareness to deliver that voice."

Following the rugby, The Banc in Maindeewas due to hold a special BRfm after-match karaoke party until 8pm.

EASTER PASSION PLAY: On Good Friday, March 21, at 2.30pm, Brynmawr will once again be hosting an open-air Passion Play production depicting the events of the crucifixion of Jesus.

The play is now in it's fourth year in Brynmawr and it's seventh year in Abergavenny, and this year is also due to visit Cardiff on Saturday, March 22, at 12.30pm, outside the Capitol Centre, Queen's Street.

The play will feature a cast from various local churches and always attracts a good crowd.

The performances start with the portrayal of the Last Supper, at 10am in Abergavenny, by the Cenotaph in Frogmore Street, and then in Brynmawr at 2.30pm outside the car park in Beaufort Street (opposite the Post Office).

In Brynmawr, the next scene will be outside Bailey Street Uniting Church, for the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus' arrest.

It will then move to outside Bill's Trophies, opposite the Market Square for the trial before the high priest and Peter's denial.

Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate will take place in the pedestrianised area next to the Talisman, and then the crucifixion scene will be on the Market Square.

Stuart Wheatman, the pastor of Brynmawr Family Church, will play the part of Jesus in the play.

He said: "This is an excellent opportunity to come and see something of what Jesus did for each one of us.

"I believe the message is as relevant and life-changing today as it's always been."

All are welcome to attend and the play is free to watch. The event was arranged by Brynmawr's Churches Together and Abergavenny's Council of Churches at the invitation of the Millenium Group in Brynmawr.

For further details call 01495 311087.

NOMINATIONS PLEASE: There are only a few weeks left to make nominations for this year's Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards, organised and managed by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and supported by the Royal Mail.

Nominations need to be in by Friday, March 28, to reward and recognise the dedication of volunteers who have helped make the biggest difference in their communities.

There are five categories - individuals, young people (under 25-years-old), green volunteers, trustees and groups.

There will be up to three winners in each category, with 15 national winners presented with their awards at a ceremony in Cardiff in June, and all nominees awarded commendation certificates at a local ceremony or by post.

Details of the scheme, including nomination forms, are available from the WCVA helpdesk on 0800 2888 329, e-mail help@wcva.org.uk