THE Welsh Government has announced £11.5 million for a new station and railway into Ebbw Vale town centre.

Finance minister Jane Hutt announced the project as part of a £76.5 million funding package for housing, schools, flood protection and transport.

The Welsh Government said the scheme, part of the Ebbw Valley railway line, is an initial element of a wider programme to create a more integrated transport network in South East Wales.

Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies said he had been making the case "for years" to extend the rail link to Ebbw Vale town centre and called today’s announcement "fantastic news".

He added: “The rail link from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff has been very successful, with thousands of people using the service every week. This new station will further capitalise on this success."

He said the news strengthened the case to increase the frequency of the service between Ebbw Vale and Cardiff.