Support our journalism – go ad-free.
Start a free 14-day trial membership today. Cancel any time.

An eight-year-old boy from Risca has written a book about his pet cats’ adventures.
Joseph Smith, from Risca, was inspired to write the story book after imagining what his cats would get up to at night.
Writing The Amazing Night-Time Adventures of Chester and Jeff has helped keep Joseph busy during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

Joseph’s mother, Emma Smith, said: “Joseph’s way of distracting himself from missing his friends and wider family would be to tell stories about what he imagined his two pet cats, Chester and Jeff, would get up to at night when we were all asleep.
“Turning his imaginations into something solid created an enjoyable project for the whole household to focus on during a time when everything else was so uncertain.”
Ms Smith, who helped Joseph write the stories, said she was “so proud” of her son.
Latest News
- First Minister visits “fantastic” Caerphilly Miners’ Centre on campaign trail
- Calls to save 220 jobs at Kautex Textron – but can anything actually be done?
- Dispersal notice issued from this afternoon
- Lockdown blamed for traffic queues outside McDonald’s and Costa
- Aber Valley councillor to step down due to health reasons
After the artwork was provided by Ukrainian illustrator Mariia Luzina provided, the book was printed.
A website was then set up by Joseph’s dad, where the book could be bought online.
Joseph, who attends Risca Primary School, said: “We had so much fun making the book so wanted to share it with everyone. I’m already having ideas for a Christmas cat adventure.”
Stay informed with quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
We believe the public should be informed about their community, coherently and with context. However, running a professional news service comes at a financial cost.
We are asking readers for their support to help us develop and grow our service.
Our membership costs from just £3 a month and in return, you can use our website without adverts.
Thank you.
Become a member – cancel anytime