DONATIONS for troops on the front line collected by a 104-year-old Blaina woman were handed over to a grateful soldier yesterday.

As reported in Friday's Argus, May Townsend has helped to collect items for soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan and these were picked up by Captain Justin Moynihan, from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, yesterday.

Captain Moynihan visited Riverside Flats in Church Street, Blaina, where Mrs Townsend lives, to take the parcels out to the Royal Welsh soldiers in Afghanistan.

Doing her bit for the armed forces is something Mrs Townsend started as a young girl during World War One.

The soldier was also met by the mayor and mayoress of Blaina, Dave and Rita Mitchell.

Councillor Mitchell said the people of Blaina have been very enthusiastic and generous, with many residents doing their bit and dropping their donations at the flats ready for them to be picked up by the captain yesterday.