FORMER Spice Girl Mel C is about to buy a luxury home in the Wye Valley. Mystery had surrounded the pop star's recent visits to the area but now we can reveal that she has chosen to buy a £850,000 mansion in the village of Catbrook.

According to locals, Mel C is close to completing the purchase of The Grove, a property with six bedrooms, three reception rooms and four bathrooms.

The Grove has been owned by one family for the last 75 years and sits in more than an acre and a half in complete privacy.

It is understood the completion of the property deal will happen very soon and The Grove will become her third home - she already owns a property at the Albert Dock in Liverpool and a London apartment.

The house was on the market with Monmouth-based estate agents Roscoe Rogers and Knight for offers above £850,000. A spokesman for the company this week refused to confirm or deny the purchase.

Catbrook resident Martin Routh said: "The house is in an idyllic situation and I wish her well.

"It would be good for the local community if she could find the time to become involved in the activities that take place here in the Wye Valley."

We revealed last month how Mel C, whose hits have included Northern Star and Baby When You're Gone, and her boyfriend stayed at the Royal George Hotel, Tintern, in April.