FOR six years Marjorie Edmends has not been able to tend the grave of her husband and their two infant children.

She is one of dozens of people who have been unable to access part of St Paul's Cemetery in Cwm because of its poor state of repair.

Now, thanks to thousands of pounds worth of improvements, Mrs Edmends can visit her loved ones again.

Work on new steps and paving was carried out thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of St Paul's Churchyard.

The group was formed three years ago after the churchyard fell into a state of disrepair.

Mrs Edmends, aged 78, of Cwmtillery, said: "The last time I visited the grave was around six years ago and I fell down because it was quite slippery.

"After that my children told me I wasn't to go there anymore because it was too dangerous and they would lay any flowers at the grave for me instead. I think they are doing a marvellous job down there and it was very nice to be able to take the flowers down myself.

"When I went there I said to my husband 'I'm back again love!'"

Mr Edmends died of cancer 11 years ago at the age of 76. Mr and Mrs Edmends' daughter Sherry, who died of bronchial pneumonia at the age of six months, is also buried there along with their son Gene, who died at the age of ten months from pneumonia.

Tim Burgham, from the Friends of St Paul's churchyard, said: "The cemetery was in such a state about three years ago.

"There was no access, pathways, steps or safety railings.

"As a result it was difficult for coffins to be carried to the graveside because of the steepness.

"We've had grants off the National Lottery and Blaenau Gwent council and held fundraising activities ourselves to fund the £35,000 to £40,000 worth of work that has been carried out in the last three years."