A BLOG written by a great-grandmother has captured audiences in Wales and overseas.

Annie Parry, née Hughes, was born in Penygarn and has always shared stories of her childhood with her family.

After years of pleas from her family to write her stories down, the 78-year-old finally took their advice and last year began writing her memories of growing up in Penygarn.

The stories and pictures were displayed on a blog for the family to read, especially for her relatives living in Australia as her brother, Eric, emigrated there.

At Christmas her son, Stephen, had her blog published as a book and presented it to her as a gift.

Mrs Parry said: “Looking back, times were hard, money was tight, but I had a very happy childhood growing up in Penygarn.

“My great-granddaughter, Rosa, will only ever know me as the person I am today.

Perhaps one day she will read the book and learn something about where she came from.” The blog has continued to grow, attracting more than 3,000 visitors, including hits in America and Australia, and the book has sold 50 copies. Mrs Parry even receives e-mails from people wishing to share their memories with her.

Her son said: “Her stories capture the hard times, but that family and the community are at the heart of life.”

Mrs Parry worked at London Hosiery, Pontypool, in the gowns and suits department as a window-dresser, and later with British Nylon Spinners in the experimental laboratory, where she tested stockings for wear.

She first met her husband, John, in 1951, when she saw him playing tennis at the courts in New Inn, but she thought he was a bit of a snob.

Later they saweach other at a dance in St Albans, Pontypool, where they danced together.

On her 20th birthday the couple married at St Mary’s Church, Panteg, and had two children, Stephen and Christine.

Due to the merger of ICI Fibres Division, where Mr Parry worked, with British Nylon Spinners in 1964, his job moved the family to Harrogate, Yorkshire, and in 1980 his career moved them to Sussex.

The couple now have four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

The blog is available to read at anniepenygarn.blogspot.co.uk or the book is available to purchase from www.blurb.co.uk/b/3534111-annie-from-penygarn