A GWENT village is to get a sundial with a difference to commemorate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Graig community council, Bassaleg, is creating the 'human' sundial to mark the occasion.

The sundial is in the shape of a semi-circle and involves a 'person' standing in the middle of the circle, which then sees the shadow of the figure pointing to the time of day.

The community council is just one organisation which is getting help from Newport charity Community Design Group (CDG) to get the scheme off the ground.

Newport Sports Association is to get help to design new facilities at Spytty Park.

The clubhouse is set to be transformed to provide more facilities for young people.

Work is due to include a complete makeover of the changing room facilities and the addition of pool tables, darts, larger televisions for watching sport and possibly a disco.

CDG will also help the association work out the cost.

Gwent Association for the Deaf is to get help to make exhibition stands to promote their work. Two Torfaen projects will also benefit from CDG's expertise.

Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, a group working to enhance the area and help local people to gain training and employment, is to boost its corporate image with a new template.

In Blaenavon, volunteers from the Capel Newydd estate will see their plans for a community meadow come nearer to fruition.

Capel Newydd Residents' Association has campaigned since September to have an area to sit, walk and play.

The woodland will be preserved and there will be access paths for skateboarders, cyclists and wheelchair users and possibly a woodland-themed play park.

And £200 funding from Community Service Volunteers (CSV) Action Cyfle will fund a picnic bench, planting and bird boxes for youngsters.

Sianne Morgan, of CSV, said: "Capel Newydd is the only estate in the Blaenavon area that hasn't had an area provided for children and young people. We will be holding consultation evenings with all residents in the community."