A new campaign has been launched to recognise some of the Vale of Glamorgan's 'unsung heroes'.
The new community project, launched by the Mayor of the Vale and her deputy, is aimed at recognising local volunteers and community groups who dedicate their time and efforts to improving others' lives.
A different volunteer and their story will be highlighted every month - starting with John Davies, who looks after the community garden at Ogmore-by-Sea Hall.
John, who lives in the village, said: "The community garden has been here for nearly two years now, it was pretty rough and overgrown before. All the plants that you see now on the bank were donated by the village."
“I love gardening, I love creating things, and I love creating new spaces, which is what we’ve done here. I won’t be able to keep this up forever, and it would be really nice for people to take it over, especially young people.”
Cllr Naomi Marshallsea and deputy mayor Cllr Carys Stallard paid John a visit to launch their new campaign.
The Mayor said: "We are trying to celebrate those Unsung Heroes of the Vale, who give up their time and energy not just occasionally, but day-in, day-out."
“John tends to the garden every morning at six o’clock, working hard to make this space for the entire community, and he is also looking for other people to help him."
“As the Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, I want to be able to say thank you to the people who are on the ground, helping out and making community where they live.”
Cllr Stallard added: "Volunteering is so important, especially as we rely heavily on our volunteers in so many ways."
“John has done such amazing work at the community garden, and we thought this was a good place to start our Unsung Heroes campaign. We want to celebrate volunteers, and we want to encourage more people to volunteer too.”
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