A MULTI-PURPOSE learning centre for visitors can be created at a Caerwent Church following lottery funding of almost £6,000.

The award of £5,900, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will enable the parish of St Stephen and St Tathan church to bring together information about the church itself and the Roman artefacts within the church, as well as permanently housing a collection of books and articles of local interest compiled by the Caerwent Historic Trust/

The plan includes creating an area for visitors to learn about its Roman links and act as a home for important interpretation tools and materials, as well as toilets and refreshment area.

The church lies in the historically significant Roman city of Venta Silurum. The surviving city walls are maintained by CADW, the Welsh organisation that looks after historical and important sites, and are considered to be the finest example in northern Europe.

Project co-ordinator, Jennifer Powell said, “The aim of this project is to ensure that our local heritage will be better explained for the public and that the promotion of historical and archaeological information will encourage school groups and visitors to learn about local heritage.”