A MULTI-million-pound super-school plan for the north of Torfaen has received backing from an unlikely source - staff at one of the schools it would replace.

Teachers at Trevethin Comprehensive - one of the two schools marked for closure should the new one be built - have written in support of the plan.

Thirty-five members of staff, including deputy head Isabelle O'Mara, signed a letter to the media stating their support for what they described as "an exciting educational venture" and a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

But local councillor and governor of Trevethin school, Mike Davies, disagreed.

Councillor Davies, who opposes the project, said the decision should be left to local ratepayers.

He said: "Teachers have a right to voice their opinions, but it would be better for those who don't live in the borough to stay out of the issue because of the financial implications for those who do."

Trevethin school's headteacher, Royston Toon, said the comments were those of his staff and he did not wish to comment further.

Peter Scott, head of Abersychan Comprehensive, said his personal view was that a new school was necessary because of the "poor state of the buildings here".

Council staff are holding meetings in the area, exhibiting a model of how the school, which could cost up to £30 million, would look.

It would be open into the night and used by adults, as well as pupils from Blaenavon to Pontypool.

Trevethin and Abersychan Comprehensives and the Ty Nant Ddu day centre will close if it is built.

The plans are on show between 7pm and 9pm on Tuesday, December 10, at Pontnewynydd Community Hall, Wednesday 11, at Abersychan School, Monday 16, at Garndiffaith Community Hall, and Tuesday 17, at Trevethin Community School.