The Griffiths family from Gwaun Cae Gurwen are not the only ones flying the flag for the Amman Valley in the BBC Wales TV programme Coal House at War which began on Monday.

Cardiff-based Natalie Paisey, 30, who has also stepped back to the 1940’s with her husband Stephen and their four children, is originally from Garnant.

Natalie’s mother Netta Thomas told the Guardian that her daughter and her family auditioned for the new series of the hit show to try out life without the modern conveniences of the 21st century.

“I think they were inspired by the challenge of living without technology and all the things we are used to,” said Netta. “Things like washing machines and TV’s. They’ve been really excited about being on the show.”

Natalie, 30, a former deputy head-girl at Amman Valley Comprehensive School, now lives in Cardiff and will soon be starting a job with the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.

She and her husband and their children Isabel, Gruffydd, Euan and Lara, joined two other families – including the Griffithses – as they re-live the hardships of the Second World War at Stack Square, Blaenavon.

Dr Stephen Paisey, 33, currently works in one of the MRI research units at Cardiff University, and has previously worked at Edinburgh University.

Families in Coal House at War will not only have to become self sufficient, but will also have to live under black-out regulations and carry out war work.

Coal House at War is on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on BBC One Wales.