THE regeneration of Ebbw Vale and transformation of the former Corus tin plate works is "a shining example to all declining industrial areas in the UK".

The praise came from the 14 local authorities in steel areas across Britain who work together as SteelAction.

SteelAction chairman Roger Stone said: "We have all seen problems in various parts of the country with the decommissioning and regeneration of steel plants.

"Sometimes months pass without anything much happening, sometimes years.

"But in Ebbw Vale it is a different story. We send our heartiest congratulations from our 14 local authorities to the local Blaenau Gwent council and to the Welsh Development Agency.

"They have been swift, imaginative and surefooted. And they have received significant backing from the Welsh Assembly and from Corus who also are to be congratulated.

"We have been briefed on the latest situation by Richard Crook, head of business services and community regeneration at Blaenau Gwent, and it is amazing how much has been done in three years."

SteelAction said the masterplan for the area was "visionary and vibrant".

Mr Stone said: "The proposed learning campus, the hospital, the new rail line, the new homes, the employment opportunities, the landscaping and the wetlands all add up to an exciting development which is well on its way.

"Ebbw Vale is a shining example to other declining industrial areas in the UK, a blueprint for regeneration."