TOWN leaders sitting on one of Wales' biggest community councils will branch out into 21st century technology with plans to use Facebook and Twitter to publicise their activities.

The community councillors hope to appeal to modern and young members of the community by recording details of their engagements, writing blogs and uploading photos and videos in Pontypool.

Pontypool Community Council member cllr Matthew Ford said: "It is really good to see the community council is moving into Facebook and social media.

"It's a long time coming. I hope it's successful."

Council chairwoman Gaynor James backed the social media plans, saying it had helped promote her baby clothes shop Individuality at Pontypool Market - though it can be time consuming.

Mrs James, 58, said: "I have been on Facebook for a long time.

"It works for me as a business.

The council's planning chairman, Cllr Colin Bevan, also welcomed the move, saying it could help reach young people.

Pontypool community council discussed the social media plans at a meeting last week.

Councillors were told that Pontypool Community Council was the second largest in Wales in terms of population behind Barry.

The meeting heard the community council could draw inspiration from other Facebook pages which have covered recent local events, such as the Pontypool fun day held to promote high streets in September.

Members watched a video featuring music highlighting activities during the fun day in the town and inside Pontypool indoor market which has undergone a £2.3 million revamp.

The community council is also encouraging young people to register for elections online, which is also seen as a way of engaging with new generations more effectively.

For more information on activities organised by the community council log on to pontypoolcc.gov.uk