A BIG THANK YOU: Betty D would like to express her heartfelt thanks to the staff of Abertillery Library and Stagecoach.

It all started when Betty realised she had got on the wrong bus, then hurried to get off and left her handbag behind with her house keys, purse and glasses in.

The library was the nearest place to get to, which Betty uses regularly and the staff were wonderful - then she contacted Stagecoach to explain what had happened.

The staff at Stagecoach were also wonderful - tracing Betty's bag and returning it to Abertillery for her.

It's what living in the valleys is all about.

BLAENAU GWENT COMMUNITY FOOD NEWS: Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, April 1-30 - Lifestyle and diet can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer: Reduce your risk by a few simple lifestyle changes.

Eat a healthy diet, low in fat, high in fibre, include a least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. Drink plenty of water, take regular exercise to keep fit and healthy.

Get to know what's normal for you and be aware of family history of bowel cancer.

Get more information from: http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/ This month's recipe is: Beetroot, Orange and Apple Salad.

Ingredients: 1 vacuum pack beetroot (no vinegar), 1 cos lettuce or similar, 1 large orange, 2 Granny Smith apples, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 clove of garlic, crushed, 2 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds.

Method: Wash and dry the lettuce and slice it thinly. Cut each beetroot into eight wedges. Core and slice the apples. Dip them in lemon juice to stop them going brown. Peel and divide the orange into sections.

In a bowl, combine the beetroot, apples and oranges.

Whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar and garlic. Pour over the beetroot mixture and combine thoroughly.

Divide the lettuce between 4 plates and top with the beetroot mixture.

Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for added crunch.

This is a great recipe for when the weather is a little warmer, but it's too early for all the summer salad vegetables.

Make this salad just before serving, and, hopefully, enjoy outside in the sunshine!

For information, please contact Alex Slingsby, Community Food Advisor, on (01495) 356718, or e-mail alex.slingsby@nphs.wales.nhs.uk CHINESE AUCTION: The 1st Abertillery Scout Group is holding a Chinese Auction on Monday, April 2 at the Scout Hall. It starts at 6.30pm and admission is free. Refreshments are available. Why not go along and grab yourself a bargain?

CLEANING UP: The Aberbeeg River Rangers braved the elements recently to clean up a section of their village.

The group set about making the area at the Aberbeeg end of Cwm Road litter free', resulting in over 40 bags of rubbish being collected.

The group were supported on the day by St Illtyds Communities First and Linc-Cymru Housing Association.

The main aim of the group is to take care of the stretch of river behind Woodland Terrace, and to date they have contributed over 700 hours in volunteer time and collected several tons of rubbish.

The group are appealing for help in a number of ways;You could join the group and take part in various activities, all you need is a sense of humour and an interest in improving Aberbeeg.

Or, alternatively, please help keep Aberbeeg litter free - take your rubbish home with you.

For more information about the group contact Christina, on (01495) 217076.

PLAYGROUP: The Jack and Jill Playgroup has temporarily moved from the Youth Centre at the rear of the Fire Station up into the Adult Education Building situated at the Abertillery Comprehensive School.

The group caters for children between the ages of 2 and a half to 5 years of age.

Jack & Jill Playgroup has been established in the area for over 30 years and is accredited with Wales Pre-school Playgroup Association and Blaenau Gwent Quality Assurance Awards, and it is run by qualified and trained staff.

The setting provides learning experiences through play and is a good basic grounding for both nursery and school.

The setting is open Tuesday-Friday, 9.30am-11.30am.

Why not pay them a visit? There are places available at the moment, and there are also some paid assisted places for families on low incomes.

Further details can be obtained by phoning Sharon, on 01495 217543 in the evenings, or, alternatively, 07970 354160.