MPs of the Commons Welsh Affairs Committe investigating anti-social behaviour in Wales have visited Newport to clock the imaginative ways in which Gwent deals with its problem.

A part of the MPs' itinerary was a visit to Solas -formerly Newport Action for the Single Homeless - where they were introduced to students involved in a number of art projects.

Mr Richard Frame, Solas' director said that since the charity's Pilot Project was opened by the Prince of Wales two years ago there had been a marked succcess in getting people who may have been in danger of lapsing into anti-social behaviour to take a creative turn.

"We have proof positive that by interesting our students in painting and sculpture, music cooking and photography we have kick-started a process which can lead them to rehabilitate and in some cases, excel.

"One of our students involved in car theft found that the Pilot Project gave him the opportunity to express himself in a constructive way.

"He now has his own car, works with cars legitimately and has become a useful member of society," he added.

Martyn Jones, MP for Clwyd was shown an astrological clock made by Solas resident Tony Rudge and Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnor, chatted to resident Gwynneth Brooks who put together a collage. Solas chairman Ken Edwards was introduced to MPs along with Newport mayor Paul Cockeram who works for the charity.