A SUPPORT group has been praised by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales after it raised £8,000 for local charities through its monthly coffee mornings.

The Crown and Abercarn Support Group made up of around 20 people aged 60 to 86, has raised the sum in less than four years after first meeting in 2010 when they organised an event for Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Since then they have held regular meetings at The Crown Inn to raise money for good causes including St Luke’s Church, Cae Gorlan Youth Club, and the Abercarn Library café.

The Commissioner’s Director of Communications and Engagement, Kelly Davies, said: “The 800,000 people in Wales who are aged over 60 make a huge contribution to the Welsh economy each year through continued work and paying taxes, volunteering and childcare, which is worth £1 billion.

“And the Crown and Abercarn Support Group, for example, has raised a hugely impressive amount that has helped many people.”

New members are welcome at the next coffee morning on April 3 at 10.30am, which will be at the Crown Inn in Abercarn.

Money will be raised for Ty Hafan, while members will also discuss a charity walk that is due to take place in May.