PEOPLE living in a Gwent town have bought 100-acres of woodland which they plan to preserve for community use.

The group of residents in Upper Cwmbran decided to take action because they were fed up with the vandalism and noisy motorbikes blighting their local woodland.

They formed a charitable limited company -- the Blaen Bran Community Woodland -- and secured a grant of nearly £100,000 from Cydcoed, the grants division of the Forestry Commission in Wales.

Now the area will be safeguarded for generations to come.

The grant financed the takeover of the long-term leasehold of the woods, know as Coed Gwaun-y-Ffeiriad, as well as a programme of works which includes fencing to keep out motorbikes, improvements to pathways, an educational trail and tree planting.

The bid was backed by Cwmbran Community Council and the Torfaen Voluntary Alliance.

Chris Harris, one of the trustees of Blaen Bran Community Woodland, said: "Despite its recent history, this is a most attractive woodland with broad leaves along many of the tracks, and beautiful views.

"It is an attractive area used by walkers, joggers, cyclists and horse riders, but it suffers from vandalism, illegal use of airguns, deliberate fire raising and environmental damage, and noise from motorbikes."

A major survey is also planned to assess wildlife, biodiversity, archaeology and industrial history in the area.

Barbara Anglezarke, of Cydcoed, said: "This project delivers benefits right across the board but the most impressive thing is the way the community has committed itself to taking ownership of the wood. They will be in control, making sure this wood plays a valuable part in local life."