ABERGAVENNY'S old Convent School has become part of the "exciting times ahead" by linking up with the Youth Hostels Association, author and rambler Chris Barber claimed this week.

"Abergavenny is a market town with lots to offer, and is an important location in south east Wales," Mr Barber told YHA officials and local dignitaries at the opening of the building in Penypound as part of a network of hostels to cater for visitors, families and walkers.

The town becomes one of 11 enterprise partnerships in the NHA.

Mr Barber, author of In the Footsteps of Alexander Cordell, added:"Abergavenny is a very historic town, largely unchanged from the early 1900s. It's the hub of a wheel on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, within 20 miles of Hereford, Brecon, Merthyr, Monmouth and Chepstow.

With a giant screen behind him featuring some of the landmarks in the area Mr Barber, of Llanfoist, sang the praises of Big Pit, Blaenavon Ironworks, Raglan castle, Llanthony priory, Partrishow church - "one of the gems in the area" - Clydach gorge, Tretower Court, Cwmyoy church "which leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa", St Mary's church, Llanfoist wharf, Usk valley walk and the "magical" Sugar Loaf mountain.

"Abergavenny is a great centre for walking and cycling," he said. "YHA Abergavenny will provide much-needed accommodation for visitors, as tourism is an essential part of the economy."

The new site, known as Mulberry House Hotel, fits into the Discover the Wales Experience by offering accommodation and food for visitors.