A BLACKWOOD couple will help promote the South Wales Valleys as a tourist destination after being chosen as ambassadors for the area.

Viv and Maria Watkins, from Blackwood, have been appointed official "Valleys vacationers".

The roles will give them exclusive access to events across the South Wales Valleys this summer, before reviewing and blogging about their experiences on The Valleys.co.uk website.

Mr and Mrs Watkins, who both work for Caerphilly council, will visit attractions from Kidwelly in the west of the country, to Pontypool in the east. The began with Caerphilly's Big Cheese Festival last weekend.

Mrs Watkins said: "We love holidaying in Britain but the beauty, character and heritage of our local area can often be overlooked. The Valleys in home to a number of attractions steeped in history and culture, from 16th century manors to 13 century castle, and most of these venues play host to a variety of exciting events throughout the year.

"It's a real please to attend these summer events and to be able to capture the atmosphere and excitement of The Valleys and share this with others."

Thevalleys.co.uk will also help people plan a visit to the area.

A quiz devised by The Valleys Heart and Soul initiative will reveal if potential visitors are foodies, adrenaline junkies, hispters, or cosmopolitan and then devises an itinerary of activities based on their personality.