A new rail service which links Ebbw Vale with Cardiff Central station has opened today, marking the completion of an ambitious £30m Welsh Assembly Government-funded project.

Leuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport today travelled on the first passenger train from Ebbw Valley since 1962.

The project has included construction of six new stations along the route - at Ebbw Vale Parkway, Llanhilleth, Newbridge, Crosskeys, Risca & Pontymister and Rogerstone.

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The new stations include a range of facilities including car parks and CCTV systems for improved passenger safety.

"I greatly welcome the start of this important passenger service, which will bring significant social and economic benefits - connecting communities and acting as a catalyst for continued economic regeneration," Mr Jones said.

"I travelled down this morning on the 0640 from Ebbw Vale - the first passenger train to leave Ebbw Vale for 46 years, and a powerful signal of our determination to ensure a prosperous future for the Valleys and all our communities."

He concluded: "This new service underlines our commitment to a strong role for railways in a greener 21st Century Wales."

(JM)