AN ABANDONED cemetery in Blaenavon received some much needed TLC recently - in a bid to discourage arson attacks on the area.

St Peter’s cemetery, which is based next to the Heritage Centre on Church Road, saw a team of volunteers, led by Matthew Guerin of South Wales Fire and Rescue, tackled the overgrowth last Saturday.

This hive of activity part of a number of coordinated activities undertaken across the UK during Arson Awareness week to minimise and manage fire risk.

It aimed to to highlight to young people, who may be drawn to play with matches, the dangers of doing so, and the effect on their communities.

The event brought together the local youth club, Blaenavon Town Council, community support officers, the Heritage Centre, the probation service, and St Peter’s Church, with support from GOS Engineering and Tesco.

The day also exposed the plight of many old forgotten graveyards.

Reverend Rufus Noy said: “St Peter’s cemetery is steeped in history because it is Blaenavon’s heritage and it is really sad to see it neglected.

“It belongs to the town and a long term solution needs to be found by the whole community to maintain it.

“I cannot thank the volunteers enough; they have done a wonderful job."

St Peter's Church was built by the ironmasters in 1804 for the growing community of Blaenavon

Thirty six thousand people have been buried at St Peter’s Cemetery in Blaenavon since it opened in 1805.

The churchyard also features headstones remembering First and Second World War heroes.

The mayor of Blaenavon, Cllr Gareth Davies, said: "It was wonderful to see the impact that the volunteers made on the churchyard.

"The area was very overgrown and a hard day's effort has enabled families and visitors to explore an area lost to vegetation for a long time.

"It was a great partnership event which will be welcomed by all."