A NEWSAGENT who has caught the public imagination with his eye-catching community-inspired town centre murals was gobsmacked to receive a letter saying the High Sheriff of Gwent was grateful for all his work.

Paul Cable of Cable News in Abergavenny has painted his shop window with a stunning ‘Lest We Forget’ mural of a soldier in a poppy field, which has already raised nearly £600 for the national ‘Poppy Day’ appeal.

And it follows other town wall paintings he has created of 100-year-old military hero and fundraiser Sir Tom Moore and forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn, who died earlier this year.

The letter, sent by Monmouthshire Council chair Coun Sheila Woodhouse, says: “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to you on being recognised by the High Sheriff of Gwent for your outstanding contribution to the good people of Abergavenny.”

It praises Paul’s “enthusiasm and positive attitude throughout the disruptive period” providing an excellent service through his shop and brightening people’s lives with his art.

“Your artwork brings a smile to many faces and it is wonderful that you share your talents with us all in this way; the excellent service you continue to provide to your customers during these difficult days is very much a lifeline,” it continues.

Paul adds an extra poppy to his Frogmore Street shop window mural whenever someone donates to his ‘Abergavenny Poppies’ fundraiser for the Royal British Legion, which has smashed its initial £500 target, and is now aiming for £1,000.

And he said of receiving the letter: “It was out of the blue, and it blew me away.”

He said he does his murals because he loves to share his art with the people of Abergavenny, and has been amazed that his efforts have seen thousands of hits on Facebook.

The newsagent said he was asked by a friend if he could decorate his window to help the poppy appeal, and he added: “I agreed straight away. It’s too important that we keep remembering,”

The town’s usual Remembrance parade which is usually attended by hundreds of people won’t take place this Sunday (November 8) at the town war memorial, which is just yards from Paul’s shop.

But a short service will take place and wreaths will be laid by organisations and individuals including the Mayor of Abergavenny, Coun Tony Konieczny, and the town branch of the RBL before the group will pause in front of Paul’s poignant display.

Paul said a retired member of the military had confirmed to him on Monday morning that the cenotaph party would stop in front of his mural, which he described as a “lovely point of respect”.

And he added about the High Sheriff’s praise: “I’m pleased for my family, the people of Abergavenny, and the people who work for me and allow me to do this kind of work.”

Hundreds of local people have taken to social media to praise his work, Andrew Powell saying: “Cabe you’re a legend! What a tribute to all those who fell, we should never forget the sacrifices that they all gave for us both the living and the dead.”

To support Paul’s ‘Abergavenny Poppies’ appeal, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-cable5?

poppydisplay.jpg