The response of people working in the NHS, key workers and volunteers has been truly inspiring during the pandemic, so I was really pleased to join a special event in Pontypool Park to say thank you in person for all the fantastic work they have done and are still doing to keep us all safe.

There were representatives from the NHS, the police, the local authority, third sector organisations, Pontypool Community Council and the youth service at the event in the Italian Gardens.

I was really pleased to see the youth service represented because we must never forget how much young people have suffered during this pandemic.

We met around a lime tree near the Memorial Gates that Pontypool Community Council leader Gaynor James arranged to have planted back in February to provide a lasting tribute to the work of the NHS, key workers and volunteers. It was really great to get the chance to say thank you in person to people who have worked so hard.

It was fitting that we met on the 73rd birthday of the NHS.

Aneurin Bevan, the Ebbw Vale MP who was instrumental in forming the NHS, once said: "The NHS will last as long as there are folk left with faith to fight for it".

And I am sure he would have been proud to see how it has performed over the last 18 months – decades after his dream became a reality.

We know the pandemic is not over yet and we still have many challenges to come, but if we have learnt anything during this time, it is that the strength of character, resolve and determination of our NHS staff, our key workers and volunteers is unquestionable.

I am truly grateful we have seen such love and determination in Torfaen. It has shown us all what is special about our community.

As we recover from the pandemic, I am determined we will not forget what our emergency services and community groups have been through to keep us all safe.

I commit that as your local Member of the Senedd, I will keep the needs of our community at the very heart of what we do in the Welsh Parliament. The pandemic has demonstrated how, when we work together, we can be really transformative – as Nye Bevan was.

Working in partnership has been key to our response to the pandemic. That is why I would like to encourage any young people interested in politics to please consider standing for the Welsh Youth Parliament. It is a wonderful way of giving our young people a voice to be heard and an opportunity to work together to raise their concerns.

Any 11-18 year old wishing to stand as constituency candidates can now apply via the website www.youthparliament.wales.