AN AREA of the Gwent Valleys plagued with one of the highest levels of long-term illness is to get a boost with a grant of almost £1 million.

The Healthy Living Project, which has been two years in development, will be launched in Abertillery, Six Bells and Llanhilleth. It aims to provide an innovative approach to tackling poor health through ten projects.

The lottery grant of £996,775 will fund the establishment of a sexual health project, a parenting skills project, a healthy living co-ordinator and a "green gym project" designed to offer outdoor exercise through environmental imp-rovement.

The first phase of the Healthy Living Project will begin in September when recruitment begins for the co-ordinator.

Sue Evans, the general manager for Blaenau Gwent said: "This is excellent news for Blaenau Gwent. It will provide us with an opportunity to pilot various health initiatives aimed at improving the health of people by working with them in their communities, tackling the causes of ill health and helping them make better choices for a healthier lifestyle."

Councillor John Hopkins, leader of Blaenau Gwent council, said: "We welcome this scheme which will employ extra people in the health field to address diverse problems across all ages in the area of greatest need.

"It will create seven full-time and more part-time practitioners to reach out into the community."