Postcard is a real picture (From Free Press Series)

Postcard is a real picture

Ex-steel and coal industrial power-house Pontypool might not sound like your archetypal holiday destination, but it's just had its own new set of postcards created by the local authority.

These are postcards with a difference, though - they're all made from photographs by local residents. Amateur photographers were invited to take part in a photographic competition by Torfaen's mayor, Councillor Yvonne Warren.

The idea was to capture different aspects of the town. Now the six winning entries have been turned into postcards, which will go on sale in Pontypool indoor market and other town centre shops.

Veteran amateur photographer Walter Protheroe, 78, of Fowler Street, Wainfelin, was particularly pleased with his shot of the early-morning fog rolling down the hillside by Pontypool Folly.

He said: "It was New Year's Day a couple of years ago - I'd had a quiet night, so I popped out with my camera.

"It's surprising what you see when you get out - there are a lot of beautiful sides to the area.

"It's wonderful to get a bit of recognition. I've been doing this for years, and I have captured hundreds of scenes."

Councillor Warren presented the photographers with a framed copy of their winning shot.

She said: "It was a successful competition which attracted a great selection of entries. It's really nice to think these postcards will be sent around the country and the world. People from thousands of miles away will be reading a friendly message from Pontypool."

Winners: Jill Hobbs, of Gladstone Place, Sebastopol; Steve Peppercorn, of Springfield Terrace, New Inn; Brian Griffiths, of Victoria Road, Abersychan; Haydn Williams, of Byn Picca, Sirhowy; Richard Eley, of Woodland Terrace, Pontnewynydd; Mr W E Protheroe, of Fowler Street, Wainfelin.