A GWENT family celebrated the life of a beloved relative by scattering his ashes across the Sirhowy River.

The family of Colin Farmer, who passed away on January 19 this year, gathered at the stone bridge in Cwm Corwwg in Argoed, near Blackwood, in June.

It was the request of 81-year-old Mr Farmer, who had been born in Argoed in 1933, to have his ashes returned to his birthplace after he died.

The family claim they were the first to scatter ashes across the Sirhowy Valley after being granted permission by Natural Resources Wales.

Around 35 family and friends travelled from as far afield as Kent, Swansea, Hereford, Gloucester, Newport and Chepstow to attend the service at the riverside.

Some of them had not seen each other for around 40 years and reunited at the river, which was near to where Mr Farmer lived as a child.

Mr Farmer, who was one of seven children, lost his father when he was just two years old.

At age 14 he moved to live with his sister Marion in London where he worked at Rolls Razors, before joining the R.A.F. and being promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant.

Minister Peter Davies, from Neath, led the service and and Islwyn Bowls Club provided refreshments.

Norman Windsor, whose wife was Mr Farmer’s niece, said: “During all the years, he lived in many countries but he never forgot his birth place and the home he loved in Argoed.

“He returned to Argoed and would visit his families and friends in the locality nearly every year.

“Colin was known locally for his humorous jokes that suited the moment of family and friends.”

Mr Windsor, 82, added: “The service went very well, it was tremendous.”

Marie Farmer, the late Mr Farmer’s wife, said she would like to thank everyone for their attendance at the service.

No-one was available to comment from Natural Resources Wales.