THREE Gwent tourism projects are set to benefit from millions of pounds in grants to boost visitor levels, the Assembly announced today.

Projects in Blaenavon, Tredegar and Markham will get £1 million each from the Assembly to create hundreds of new jobs and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway will get £1millon to extend the line southwards to Blaenavon High Level, an old station near the town.

The track will grow from less than one kilometre to more than three kilometres, linking with Big Pit, the new heritage centre, and the town centre.

The railway celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and volunteers are celebrating the good news.

Alex Hinshelwood, 23, traffic manager for the railway, said: "This is a long-awaited announcement.

"For 25 years it's always been 'we will get there one day.' Finally we have been recognised."

Passenger numbers went up by 36 per cent last year, from 5,000 in 2006 to 7,000 in 2007, and members say the expansion could attract thousands more visitors.

In Tredegar, the iconic Grade II listed Bedwellty House and Park will be restored and upgraded in a project costing a total of £5.4million.

Work to the former Ironmaster's residence will include restoring and extending the Orchid House, upgrading the stables block, the Miners Room and Assembly Rooms to create a "significant" tourism attraction.

Historic features in the 28 acre Park including an ice house and band stand will also be restored.

Funding will also come from Heritage Lottery grants and other private investment.

Councillor David Wilkshire, council member for culture and leisure, said: "This work will restore the building to what it was and create a 21st century attraction to bring in thousands of tourists."

The eyesore former Markham Colliery will also be redeveloped in a £3.68million project which will see a new contemporary garden created.

The environment and climate change-themed garden could attract up to 90,000 visitors a year. Design plans have yet to be finalised.

Cash will also come from Caerphilly council, the Heritage Lottery and the private sector.

David Craddock, 79, a former miner who worked at Markham Colliery for 42 years, said: "Markham Colliery is a scar on one of the prettiest valleys. I think this is an excellent idea, something the community has wanted for years."

Grant part of Heads of the Valleys help The £140m Heads of the Valleys initiative was launched by the Assembly in 2004.

The 15-year regeneration strategy is run with Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, to tackle economic inactivity.

The latest grants could create up to 300 jobs and increase visitor numbers by up to a quarter of a millio, according to an Assembly spokeswoman.