AS part of the European wide 'Open Doors' initiative, Blaenau Gwent is opening up several important sites throughout September .

European Heritage Days are an initiative of the Council of Europe. The event is co-ordinated by the Civic Trust for Wales whose partners organise parallel events in England and Scotland .

The initiative was launched in 1991 and last year over 20 million people visited participating sites in Europe.

This year Blaenau Gwent is opening the doors of its oldest building, St Illtyd’s Church and its newest building, Ebbw Vale Sports Centre.

Open Doors days give everyone the chance to explore historic buildings and sites free of charge, especially those not normally open to the general public.

St Illtyd’s Church set high above Llanhilleth is the oldest building in Blaenau Gwent dating from 1213 and there is strong evidence that Christians have been worshipping on the site for 1200 years. The church is open on Septemeber Sunday 1 ,8 ,15 ,22 and 29 between 14.30 and 16.30.

This year Blaenau Gwent have several heritage walks exploring the area involved in the scheme, including the Medieval and Dark Age history of Ebbw Fawr on September 7, Joseph and Crawshay Bailey’s industrial legacy on September 9, and Bell Pits of 1170’s to 1780’s on September 11.

There are also two longer walks exploring the hillsides above Abertillery and Cwmtillery on September 13 and another discovering, Caves, Bombers and Ogham Stones on the mountainside around Trefil and Ponsticyll on 15th September.

Booking is essential for all walks by calling 01495 742333 or at walkingfestival@thevalleys.co.uk and full information can be found on www.walesvalleyswalking.co.uk