THERE are 100,000 reasons for former miner Terry Mason and his fellow workers at Big Pit to celebrate today.
Because the Blaenavon mining museum has won the UK's largest single arts prize - the £100,000 Gulbenkian Museum of the Year award.
Judges praised the museum for "keeping the story of British coal alive". Sir Richard Sykes, chairman of the Gulbenkian judges, said: "Big Pit offers an exceptional emotional and intellectual experience."
Big Pit's keeper and mine manager, Peter Walker, said: "We are delighted."
Former miner Mr Mason, has worked as an underground guide at Big Pit for the last eight years - and he was among staff celebrating today. The 59-year-old who lives in Varteg Road, Varteg, worked in the industry for 23 years.
He said:"This is a testament to the great work and good will of every member of staff at Big Pit. There's nothing quite like what we offer. "
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