TWO Brynmawr shop owners have been nominated as “High Street Heroes” in a Welsh Government campaign which aims to celebrate high streets across Wales.

Francesca Carpanini and Donna Wallbank are just two high street business owners across the country who have been put forward.

The Brynmawr pair have been nominated as part of the Welsh Government’s Support Your High Street campaign which highlights the role they play in community life and the economy.

It is hoped the campaign will encourage more people to use their local high streets ahead of High Street Week taking place on September 19 to 26.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council yesterday revealed two Brynmawr businesses had been nominated - Ms Carpanini’s gift shop Tutta Bella and Ms Wallbank’s hair salon Kutz and Kurlz.

Former Spanish and Italian teacher Ms Carpanini’s family have run high street shops selling homeware, furniture and delicatessen goods for more than 30 years.

Although the shop has only been open three years, Ms Carpanini said people travel from afar to visit her shop.

Donna Wallbank, owner of Kutz and Kurlz hair salons in Brynmawr and Abertillery, has been in business for 25 years and said when she started she “had little idea what the future would hold”.

A council spokesperson said: “Unlike many of its neighbours, Brynmawr wasn’t built on coal or iron but was a market town serving a wide area, a transport hub where several railways connected and also a dormitory town.

“Sadly like many town centres, out of town alternatives has made its mark but Brynmawr still fights on and continues to attract visitors from the surrounding area.”

“Shops like Tutta Bella are so important to towns like Brynmawr as they attract visitors from a wide area, they encourage return visits and importantly for the town, they encourage secondary spend in other local businesses.”