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Three charities have been given £1,000 each thanks to a crematorium’s metal recycling scheme.

Dog charity Hope Rescue, the Oakdale Partnership and Llantrisant-based 2 Wish all received the donations from Sirhowy Valley Crematorium, in Pontllanfraith.

With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation at the site are recycled, and any money raised is used to support local charities and causes.

The scheme is run by the Bristol-based Westerleigh Group, which runs 37 crematoriums and cemeteries across the UK, including Sirhowy Valley Crematorium – which opened in early 2021.

Jon Deacon, site manager at Sirhowy Valley Crematorium, said: “Support shown to the community by these organisations makes such a huge difference to people’s lives, and it is a privilege to give them that support back so they can keep on helping our local area.”

Speaking about the charities, Mr Deacon said: “2 Wish offers bereavement support to families who have experienced the sudden loss of a child or young person.

“Their mission is to ensure that all those affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult throughout Wales receive the support they deserve.

“Oakdale Partnership is run entirely by volunteers who have created a wide range of clubs that meet regularly and provide a friendly and relaxed meeting place for the elderly members of the community.

“Since 2005, Hope Dog Rescue has 51 rescue kennels and 18 acres of private woodland surroundings, which they use to house around 800 dogs, on average, per year.

“Hope Rescue shows compassion for both the dogs in their care, and the people they support, whatever their circumstances for using their services.”