THE UK’S only tinsel manufacturer had a Christmas visit from First Minister Carwyn Jones today.

Mr Jones went to Festive Productions, in Cwmbran, the only manufacturer of tinsel in the UK.

The First Minister's visit was part of a number across South Wales to see first-hand the positive impact Welsh Government support is having on people’s lives and how communities are preparing for Christmas.

The First Minister was taken on a tour of the building and also took part in discussing ideas for the manufacturer’s future, as it tries to build trade with China in an attempt to bring more manufacturing back to the UK.

Ian Newton, chief executive officer of Festive Productions said: “The First Minister stayed just under an hour.

“We gave him a presentation on the history of Festive Productions Ltd and how it came to be the only manufacturer of tinsel in the UK.

“We also talked a lot about social responsibility and our work with recycling, as the whole site is electrically independent.”

Mr Jones was shown the new 2015 range of decorations and the famous tinsel room before having a go at making his own red and gingham tinsel.

He also went on a tour of the warehouse and the factory shop.

Mr Newton added: “It was good to have him visit and he showed genuine interest and support for the fact that we are a manufacturer and employer.

“He seemed quite enthused about our plan to take on the Chinese in bringing manufacturing back to the UK.

“This year we have signed off financial support from the Welsh Government to help bring production over from the Far East to the UK.

“We have had customers here today and everybody was quite impressed that he had taken the time to come and see us.”