THE desk at which Gwent author Alexander Cordell wrote some of his best-loved novels, together with his typewriter and desktop ornaments are the centrepiece of a new Gwent attraction.

Blaenavon Community Heritage and Cordell Museum expects to attract thousands of visitors a year, both enthusiasts for Cordell and his books and those with a more general interest in the heritage town.

"The museum, right next to the library, has been years in the making. The exhibits relating to Alexander Cordell in particular are expected to be a big hit," Roger Gulliford, the museum's secretary and treasurer said.

Mr Gulliford, Glynn Probert, BCHCM's chairman and Bill Morgan, a committee member have been hoarding exhibits for years, waiting for a display space which the museum could call its own.

"The provision of a home right next to the town's library in Lion Street is like a dream come true," Mr Probert said.

"I hope it will do for young people in particular what a love of the local history of our town has done for our lives."

The museum has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Alexander Cordell, who shot to fame in 1959 with the publication of his international best-seller Rape of the Fair Country died in North Wales in 1997.

Blaenavon and its immediate surroundings provided a setting for several novels of his novels which dealt with the subject of working class life in the mid-1800s.

Blaenavon Community Heritage and Cordell Museum was officially open by Councillor Doug Davies, Torfaen's deputy mayor.