Originally named Thomastown, Trethomas is a village born from the mining industry.

Now, the history of the village has been mapped out as part of a trail created by pupils at Ty’n y Wern Primary School.

The trail, which starts at the school, takes visitors across the Trethomas’ landmarks, including the cenotaph and the site of the former Ty yn y Pwll pub, before finishing at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall.

Each landmark displays an information board with a short description and a QR code. While at the location, walkers can scan the QR code to find out more about the history of the building, as well as being told how many steps they have taken at that point in the journey.

The trail, which is called Taith Trwy Trethomas, went live before the Easter holidays. Maps for the trail are available from the school and numerous shops in Trethomas.

The research was carried out by the pupils themselves as part of the school’s entry into the Welsh Heritage Competition.

It is the 12th time the school has entered the competition, where it will be up against schools from across Wales. The winners will be announced in May.

All 238 pupils in the school took part in the project, with different classes tasked with researching different locations.

The project also fits in to the school’s ambition to encourage more pupils to walk, scoot or cycle to school, as part of the sustrans’ Active Journeys scheme.

Ty’n y Wern teacher Caroline ap Hywel told Caerphilly Observer: “It’s nice that after Covid, we can get the pupils out in the community together.

“We wanted to do something long-lasting and we’ve had a great response on social media.

“A lot of local families have done the trail and most of the pupils have too.”

The school’s Pupil Leadership Team said it was “fascinating” to learn about the buildings in their own community and seeing how their village has changed over time.

“We thoroughly enjoyed setting the trail and getting out and about in our lovely village. We hope that the trail can be used and enjoyed by the community and visitors for many years to come.”