TRADERS in Blaenavon are putting the finishing touches to months of hard work as the town prepares to become the world's latest booktown on Saturday.

Soon the former mining town will go head to head with literary towns like Hay-on-Wye, when ten bookshops open their doors this weekend.

Blaenavon, immortalised in print as the setting for Alexander Cordell's Rape Of The Fair Country, is set to become a literary Mecca, attracting tourists from across the world looking for a good read.

In what is sure to be the biggest day in the town's history, this Saturday will see a huge joint celebration to coincide with World Heritage Day.

Blaenavon was given World Heritage status in November 2000. Festivities will officially start at 10.30am when town criers declare the day open at the Blaenavon Workingmen's Hall, Church Road.

The hall will also hold a craft fair and a number of exhibitions. There will be events all over the town all day to draw in customers and tourists who, it is hoped, will help the shops flourish.

The official booktown opening takes place at 11am on Broad Street. Events include book signings, a grand parade, antique valuations, street theatre, belly dancing and more. The highlight of the day will be the period costume parade which takes place at 1.30pm from the top of Broad Street.

Last year entries included miners, Welsh ladies, working children, iron workers and historical figures from Blaenavon's past.

Booktown organiser James Hanna (pictured) was still helping to pile the books high in the shops this week.

"We will be putting books on the shelves right up to Friday night," he admitted. "When we're finished, this could well be the best new bookshop opening anywhere for many years.

"The whole project is amazing. The town is pulling together. It's looking even better than I'd hoped. But don't take my word for it, come and see for yourselves."

Writers so far confirmed to be signing include travel writer Jan Morris, Chris Barber, Anne Drysdale, Darren Powis and Richard Finlan.