Showcasing the crafts of the Valleys is the aim of a venture in Abertillery supported by the Kickstart programme.

Green Valley Gifts has been set up by Tina Lucas selling home and decorative items, many of which are made by local producers.

“A lot of the things we sell are made locally by local people,” said Tina.

“I think it is important to support the community and to help people who are producing high quality goods right here in the Valleys.”

Green Valley Gifts, in Somerset Street, was set up with the help of a £1700 grant from the Kickstart programme, run jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Blaenau Gwent Council.

“The money has been vital to getting the shop up and running,” said Tina.

“It helped with getting it fitted out and redecorating and I wouldn’t have been able to set up the business without it.”

Tina herself is very much involved with the local community, volunteering with the Scouts and other groups.

“I feel strongly that we should do all we can to strengthen the fabric of the town, and this is one reason I set up Green Valley Gifts.”

Andy Morris, of UK Steel Enterprise, said: "It is pleasing to see Green Valley promoting local products and helping to underpin the community in Abertillery and the surrounding area.”