A VALLEYS town celebrated its unique history in a riot of colour, dance and music.

It is just 17 years since Blaenavon was awarded World Heritage status in recognition of the key role it played during the industrial revolution, and of the landscape that was shaped by it.

Now the celebration of World Heritage Day has become the town’s most important annual event - a chance to highlight its past, its present, and its future.

The event’s centrepiece is the parade - which began at the top of Broad Street and wended its way through the town.

Hundreds took part, and thousands - comprising residents and visitors - turned up to enjoy and applaud the spectacle.

There was also live music, dance, and entertainment, stalls, food and drink, a fun fair and a miniature steam railway among the attractions.

This year the parade had as its theme a celebration of people who have played a notable part in the town’s history.

These included inventor Sidney Gilchrist Thomas, some of whose key work was done in Blaenavon, educational philanthropist Sarah Hopkins, who founded St Peter’s School in the town in 1816, and Newport, Wales and British Lions rugby great - and Olympic athlete - legend Ken Jones.

Pupils from Blaenavon Heritage School have made and paraded costumes celebrating local legends, having worked with artist Mark Lewis.

They also starred in a series of short adverts to promote World Heritage Day, which were shown in the Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall Cinema and online.