RESIDENTS of a close-knit Cwmbran community came out in their hundreds on Saturday to support a fun day in memory of three friends.

People living in Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, were shocked by the deaths of John Gibbings, 37, Martin Connop, 31, and Emma Proctor, 25, in April this year.

They died after a car crash which happened as they were walking together to a barbecue along Five Locks Road.

On Saturday hundreds attended a fun day in Ty Pwca playing-fields to raise money for a permanent memorial to them.

The day was the result of more than three months of hard work by a dedicated group of residents, including Jane Poole, Linda Augustus, Charmaine Carthew and Anne-Marie Gibbings.

Jane Poole said: "It's been very hard work - we've been non-stop for months now.

"At one point we didn't think it was going to go ahead, but people have been marvellous in their support."

Dozens of local businesses supplied gifts and prizes to be auctioned off on Saturday, and organisers expect to make more than £1,000 to add to the £1,200 they have already collected.

As well as various stalls, visitors enjoyed displays of belly dancing, karate and music from the Prince of Wales Marching Band. There was also a duck race, a balloon race, and an auction with prizes including toys, electrical goods and a holiday.

Ward councillor John Cunningham opened the event. He said: "Local people and businesses have been exceptionally generous in their support.

"This is an exceptional cause, but one that has brought us all closer together, not just people from the area, but the wider Cwmbran community, too."

Organiser Anne-Marie Gibbings, sister-in-law of John Gibbings, said she was delighted the event had brought people together.

"It's so nice to see all the children and families having fun," she said. "We haven't had a community get-together in Pontnewydd for years, and even though it came about because of something so tragic, there's a great amount of community spirit."

The fun day was such a success that organisers are planning to make it an annual event.

Mrs Gibbings said: "If we can arrange all this in three months, think what we can do in a year." * Steven John Price, aged 30, of Ty Pwca Road, Pontnewydd, has been charged with the murders of John Gibbings, Martin Connop and Emma Proctor.