PLANS for a new brewery and visitor centre in Blaenavon have been approved, bringing 19 new jobs to the area.

At a planning meeting Rhymney Brewery's plans had been approved under delegated powers. The plans are for a new brewery building incorporating a first-floor visitor centre at Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate in Blaenavon.

Leader of Torfaen Council, Councillor Bob Wellington said, "We are pleased to welcome Rhymney Brewery to Torfaen. They offer a modern brewery and visitor centre which will generate tourism and enhance the heritage site. They're also bringing 19 jobs to the area which is always good news in these difficult times."

Rhymney Brewery is based in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, and has been making ales in South Wales for 140 years. It is hoped the new brewery and visitor could become another tourist attraction in the town. The family firm has ambitious plans to create what it hopes will become a major visitor attraction for the town.