THE KEN Jones committee were out in force on the weekend raising £350 for the appeal.

Blaenavon town councillors, Cllr Stuart Evans, Cllr Alan Jones, Cllr Pauline Whitcombe and Cllr Brian Whitcombe joined the head teacher of Blaenavon Heritage School, Debbie Woodward, and Free Press reporters, Katey Pigden and Hayley Mills in raising money for the Ken Jones statue appeal.

The group collected money at Rodney Parade, Newport, before the Dragons vs Cavalieri Prato game on Saturday.

Many people were happy to share their memories of Ken, who as well as being an Olympic athlete and rugby international, was a teacher at Newport High School.

This brings the appeal total to £12,643.25 . Although this is a long way from the £80,000 needed for the statue, which will be made by sculptor, Les Johnson, there is a whole host of fundraising events planned in the coming months that will boost the total.

Blaenavon singer, Cai Williams, will be performing a selection of songs from the West End, as well as power ballads and pop, for the appeal on February 18 in Blaenavon Workingmen's Hall at 7pm. Tickets are on sale in the Workingmen's Hall, Blaenavon Heritage Centre and FOY Estate Agents.

There will also be a social evening at Blaenavon RFC on Saturday, April 21, with artist Richard Beavis, more details to follow.

Another bucket collection will be taking place at the Newport RFC v Cardiff RFC game at Rodney Parade on February 11.

We are appealing for local people to get involved, if you are planning to organise an event to raise money for the appeal, we want to hear from you.

Email hayley.mills@gwent-wales.co.uk or call Hayley on 01633 777 278.

To donate to the appeal, cheques need to be made out to Ken Jones Memorial Fund and posted to the care of Lewis Freeman at 52 Thornhill Close, Upper Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 5TQ.