A 65-year-old story of a flight from war torn London to the relative peace and safety of Gwent is being pieced together by an Australian family.

In 1944 the Polin family, then living in London, were evacuated to Risca and taken in by Bethany Mission Hostel at Pontymister.

A branch of the family which emigrated to Australia after the war is now trying to piece together a picture of those wartime days but so far a photograph and caption story published in 1944 is their only real clue.

Two Polin children - Barbara who was three and Maureen whose age was undisclosed - celebrated their birthday at the same time along with a Sheila Hanson who was five.

Included in the photograph are Councillor William Baulch att that time chairman of Risca council, Mrs Baulch, Councillor T P Jerman who is nursing Maureen, the wartime billerting officer Councillor W H Jones and the hostel's matron Miss C E Downing.

Newport local historian Monty Dart said the family had visited Newport Library and had visted Risca and Pontymister in vain.

"They are returning to Risca and Pontymister for one last try before going home.

"It is quite possible that the photograph of 65 years ago might still be able to awaken some memories."

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