The Free Press is celebrating our area's unsung heroes. This week reporter Lia Hind meets a young man who uses his musical talents to give something back to the community.

Eighteen-year-old Ed Hayes, has had a busy year preparing himself for his A level exams as well as completing a BTEC in Fire and Rescue Services, following in the footsteps of his dad, Stuart, a recently retired fire fighter of 33 years.

But in his spare time, Ed, from Caerwent, has also been using his musical talents to give something back to the community.

A member of Chepstow Town Band, he is a gifted musician who plays a number of instruments including the Jazz clarinet, tuba and bass guitar. He was also recently selected to join the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

Through his involvement with CTB he has performed at local events including the Christmas Light Switch-On and the Armistice ceremony.

However, it's the time he and his fellow town band members give up on Christmas Day that is perhaps the most commendable.

He said: "On Christmas Day the band goes along to the wards in Chepstow Community Hospital to play for the staff and patients. We go for a couple of hours in the morning and it's always a very rewarding experience.

"Christmas just been is my third time of taking part and it's great to see how it makes a difference to their day."

He added: "We often play at local nursing homes too and we get a great welcome."

If he isn't busy enough, he is also a member of a covers band, Ellie Mae and the Hurricanes.

"We've played a few local gigs but with so many of us having school and uni commitments now it can get tough balancing rehearsals."

He says although his long-term focus is set on becoming a fire fighter, he will always find time to keep up with his musical passion.

"My goal is to become a firefighter, definitely. My dad is a big inspiration to me and I'm set on joining the South Wales Fire and Rescue team, but I'll always keep up playing music as a hobby."

Well, he'll certainly bring some musical entertainment to the station between calls.

Do you know a champ?

Our community champion feature celebrates those who do so much yet are so often taken for granted.

From the tireless charity worker and neighbourhood bobby, through to the dedicated nurse and popular postie - we want to highlight them all and we need your help. If you know a community champion and would like to see them featured in a forthcoming edition of the Free Press, please let us know.

You can drop us an email at chepstow@freepressseries.co.uk or ring Lia Hind on 01633 777056