HRH Prince Charles is coming to Gwent this week to tour a restored multi-million pound miners institute and officially open the new state-of-the art heritage centre in Abergavenny.

The prince is expected to be met by hundreds of well-wishers when he arrives at Llanhilleth on Thursday to open Llanhilleth Miners' Institute community centre.

The stute, as it is known locally, was originally opened in May 1906 and its £2 million restoration to turn it into a community centre is the focal point of the Llanhilleth Area Regeneration Scheme.

The scheme between Blaenau Gwent Council and the Welsh Assembly also included the new St Illtyds school and railway station.

He is expected to tour the building and meet staff and local people who have helped to restore the building into an educational site, which includes a function hall, community cafe, training rooms, IT facilities, interactive library and mobile creche.

Prince Charles’ trip to Gwent will also see him open the restored Tithe Barn heritage centre next to St Mary’s Priory Church in Abergavenny.

As Patron of St Mary’s Priory Development Trust, he will open the new £1.7 million heritage centre and attend a service of dedication.

The barn dates back to the 12th century and was originally used for the collection of tithes.

After the dissolution of the monasteries, the barn was used as a theatre, grain store and more recently as an auction room and carpet warehouse.

The barn was sold by the parish in 1948 but was bought back in 1999 where it has since been turned into a state-of-the-art heritage and education centre.

More than £500,000 was spent on the exhibition that will be housed at the centre, depicting the history of Abergavenny and its proud heritage through interactive software.

Hanging in pride of place is the 24 ft wide Millennium Tapestry - handmade by 60 local people over three years and illustrates a view of the town and its heritage.

Thursday’s royal visit will also the Prince of Wales launch the Prince’s Trust Cymru Business Programme.