Firefighters from Merthyr Fire Station spent an afternoon visiting St Tydfil’s Court, Caedraw – cooking and serving Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for 22 residents.

Residents were also delighted to be treated to a special performance by the Tenovus choir.

Watch Manager Steve Owen said: “This was a lovely opportunity for the crew to give back to the community, bring a bit of festive cheer to the residents and help raise awareness of fire safety within the home.

“We were really welcomed into their homes and it was great to see the difference a simple act can make to people over the holiday period.”

Merthyr Station is very active in engaging with the community it serves and this was just one of many examples of the great community spirit displayed by the Station each year. Helping to reduce risk and raise awareness is an important part of the work they undertake to keep the people of Merthyr Tydfil safe.

Sian Kyte, Senior Community Living Officer at Merthyr Valleys Homes, said:

“This was a wonderful event for the residents of St Tydfil’s Court who are very pro-active when it comes to fire safety. The residents live in our only Community Living Scheme that is built within a tower block, and the members of the fire station work closely with us and the residents – For example, when undertaking a familiarisation exercise. It was lovely that this event was held in a relaxed, informal setting where the crews were able to spend time getting to know our fabulous tenants.”

The Station has traditionally worked closely with Merthyr Valleys Homes on fire safety, but this was the first time the crews have had a chance to show off their culinary skills. Merthyr Valleys Homes was established in 2009 and owns and manages over 4100 homes across the area and was Wales’ first tenant and employee mutual. The St Tydfil’s Court is one of six community living schemes that Merthyr Valleys Homes runs.