A SET of memorial gates, commemorating John "Dai" Coles, were officially opened on Saturday 20th December at Caldicot Town AFC.

The ribbon was cut by Dai's widow, Hazel Coles, to officially unveil the gates, which are a tribute to a long-serving and well respected member of Caldicot Town AFC.

Situated between the changing rooms and Jubilee Way pitch, the gates will often be passed through and are seen as a fitting memorial for Dai Coles who died in October and had served the club for many years, since playing for Caldicot as a young man.

He served within the back-room too as groundsman and kit man, before retiring at the end of the 2012-2013 season. He played a key part in the twinning of Caldicot with Waghausel in Germany; a project where many friends were made through sport.

Speaking at the opening, club chairman Martin Slape, said: "People talk about immortality. Is there such a thing? I guess we all have different opinions on the subject.

"My guess is you get part of the way there if you make an impact during your life: giving, being nice, doing good things and being remembered for them, and having your name still spoken.

"From our club's perspective 'Colesy' has achieved all of that and had such an impact that we have these gates in his memory."

More than 100 people attended the opening including members of the Coles family, the club and community.

Caldicot's Mayor, Councillor Alan Davies, and Deputy Mayor Cllr David Evans, were at the ceremony too and joined Mr Davies opening another set of gates for the club.

To help prevent vandalism, Caldicot Town AFC has also set up gates to protect the stand, another project that has involved the help of the community working alongside the police.