A GWENT tourist attraction will soon be made free for visitors.

Heritage body Cadw is taking over the direct management of the 18th century Blaenavon Ironworks, and from March 21, access at the Ironworks will be free.

Most attractions within the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site are free of charge, including the award-winning Big Pit mining museum.

Cadw said the current charging policy at these sites is confusing to visitors, and a deterrent to tourists gaining an understanding of the wider historic context of the monuments.

Cadw is now working with Torfaen Council and the National Museum Wales to develop and promote the wider Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site.

The Blaenavon Ironworks started production in 1789 and was to become the first purpose built multi-furnace ironworks in Wales.

At that time it was on the cutting edge of technology, and is now one of the best preserved 18th century ironworks in Europe.

Speaking at a visit to the site yesterday, Assembly heritage minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: "This decision supports our commitment to developing an integrated tourism strategy and ensuring that the different tourism partner organisations in Wales work together.

"The culture of Wales should become a core component of the visitor experience and we must make it easier for our visitors to be able to access and appreciate these experiences."