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A man from Ystrad Mynach has helped raise more than £25,000 for local charities and community groups through a series of calendars celebrating the best the town has to offer.

Phil Morris decided to combine his photography and graphic design skills in 2019, as well as working with other local photographers and artists, to curate and design a charity calendar.

Each calendar can take around two to three months in total to complete, and consists of pictures both past and present of Ystrad Mynach and the surrounding areas.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Phil said: “I thought it would be good to give something back, and its been really rewarding to see all the money we’ve raised over the past few years.

“It takes a bit of time going back and forth between everyone, as well as actually putting it together, but we want to keep it looking professional and not just cobbled together.”

The 2025 calendar, which is currently on sale, celebrates the first Welsh woman to become a world champion boxer; Lauren Price.

The superstar worked with Phil on the calendar, posing for the front cover, and the month of May – the month in which she cemented herself in boxing history with that famous win over Jessica McCaskill.

“We’ve got the picture with her celebrating with the village the day after winning the fight, and I made sure her Nan had the first copy.

“It was a proud moment for Ystrad Mynach, and Wales. Its great to be able to celebrate her and her success this way.”

Price will be looking to defend her world title this Saturday (December 14) against unbeaten Colombian contender, Bexcy Mateus.

Keen to also highlight the natural beauty of the area, Phil has worked alongside Glyn Powell, who has an extensive photo archive, as well as local artist Ron Cox, whose oil painting also features in the calendar.

Phil continued: “People love them. We ship worldwide so we’ve had them sent to Asia, America; it’s a great reminder of where you’re from.

“One example a man in Scotland gave me recently was how his mother, who had been non-responsive for some time with Alzheimer’s, started to cry when she saw the pictures. It’s something to treasure.

“The most important bit though is the money it has raised for the community. Its gone to some worthwhile causes and that £25,000 raised doesn’t count this year’s total yet.”

Copies are £15 each, and can be bought by contacting Phil Morris directly, or by purchasing in the following shops:

• Veg of Evans
• Emlyn Lloyds
• Memories
• Ystrad Mynach Post Office
• Cwm Bakery
• Spar
• Londis
• Premier
• YM Boys & Girls Club