PRINCE Charles met many of the people who have been instrumental in bringing the 102-year-old Llanhilleth Miners' Institute back from the brink of demolition a few years ago to what it is now, the focal point of the community once again.

Lyn Maloney, Institute secretary, said: "We've waited so long for this and here we are.

"We've had well over £1.5 million spent on the building thanks to funding from Europe, the Welsh Assembly and Blaenau Gwent council.

"It has been three years in the making but it has been well worth it. Today is the icing on the cake.’’ He added: "Charles asked how old the building was and asked what it was being used for.

"He must have done his homework because he asked about the old Territorial Army hall which has been knocked down for the car park at the back of the building.’’ Charles was also treated to four songs by the pupils of St Illtyd's Primary school and Swffryd Primary school.

After their performance, the Prince was presented with two large birthday cards the children had made ahead of his 60th next month.

He told them: "I want to thank you more that I can possibly say for these wonderful birthday cards.

"I'm very worried about the fact that I will be so old next month; so old that the headteacher of Swffryd Primary school told me he remembered me coming to open a youth club when he was nine-years-old!’’