DOZENS of people in Blackwood gave a Valleys welcome to Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh when she opened a new amusement arcade in the town.
Julie, who plays transsexual Hayley in the popular soap opera, arrived in a limousine and cut the ribbon to open the new Stardust arcade on Thursday.
She spent several hours there signing autographs and having her photograph taken, chatting and laughing with the customers.
And a band and town crier amused the crowds who had gathered outside the building. Richard Case, director of the new arcade, said it had been a very successful morning.
It is the family business's 19th Stardust arcade to open, with others in Merthyr, Pontypridd and Mountain Ash.
Mr Case said there will also be a snack bar at the rear of the arcade, which will be open from 9am to 10pm every day apart from Sunday, when it will be open from 10am to 6pm.
* Pictured: Julie Hesmondhalgh signs autographs for the crowds in Blackwood
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