A TOP Gwent tourist attraction is one of only four museums in the UK left in the running for a major arts prize.

Blaenavon's Big Pit mining museum has reached the final four in the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year from the original 60 nominees.

Last month, Big Pit became the only Welsh attraction left in the running for the prize.

The Gulbenkian award is the UK's largest single arts prize and the winner, announced on May 26, will receive £100,000.

Peter Walker, keeper and manager of Big Pit, said: "We are excited at this excellent news. Big Pit is representative of everybody involved in the coal industry in Wales and getting as far as the final of this important competition is a tribute to all those people."

Last year, Big Pit underwent an extensive £7 million redevelopment with new galleries and exhibitions which helped the site attract a record number of visitors.

Mr Walker said: "Reaching the final four in this prestigious competition has been a wonderful way for us to celebrate the success of 2004 and an excellent start to the 2005 season."

Assembly minister for culture, Welsh language and sport, Alun Pugh said: "Last year's extensive redevelopment work transformed Big Pit into a truly world-class attraction.

"Speaking as a coalminer's son, I am proud of the hard work and dedication of all the staff at Big Pit and I offer them my warmest congratulations."

Blaenavon councillor Neil Lewis said he hopes Big Pit goes on to win the big prize.

"I think their chances are good," said councillor Lewis."The redevelopment money was well spent. It transformed the site.

"There's probably no better attraction in this country from an industrial point of view.

"Big Pit is the main attraction in Blaenavon and being nominated for such a prestigious prize only enhances the profile of the town."