A proud tradition of world-famous famous events, people, places, music and culture has been celebrated in Rhondda Cynon Taf with the introduction of a Blue Plaque Heritage Trail.

Due to £49,200 of Heritage Lottery funding, the project was set out to identify icons, events and buildings, culminating in the placing of blue plaques to commemorate their history and achievements.

World-famous opera singer Sir Geraint Evans from William Street, Cilfynydd has been remembered and boxer Freddie Welsh has a Blue Plaque on the building where he once trained opposite Pontypridd Train Station. This was unveiled by champion fighter Dai Dower.

A Blue Plaque on Pontypridd’s famous Round Houses honours chartist, surgeon, druid and pioneer of cremation Dr William Price and another has been sited on Gelliwastad Club & Institute to remember former owner Dr Richard Griffiths who built the tramroad that helped begin the Rhondda coal trade.

Historic buildings have also received Blue Plaques, including Nantgarw China Works and Navigation Inn, Abercynon where the officers of the Glamorganshire Canal Company were located.