MORE than 1,000 workers marched through the streets of Ebbw Vale as the proud community marked the end of steelworking.

Many steelworkers from Port Talbot, Llanwern and Trostre joined their Ebbw Vale colleagues in the poignant march, pictured, from the huge Corus site to the cenotaph.

The last coil of steel came off the production line on Friday morning - but it was Saturday's march that truly marked the end for Ebbw Vale steelworks and two centuries of steelworking.

Hundreds lined the route, often bursting into applause, as the workers led by the town's brass band passed by.

The march - a celebration of the town's association with the steel industry - ended at the cenotaph with a service of dedication for a memorial plaque. It commemorated steelworkers who died for their country in two world wars.

Dai Davies, works council secretary, said the plaque was originally in the offices.

"We decided to have a permanent reminder of the steel industry that cannot be removed and relocate to thecenotaph," he added.

The plaque was unveiled by former works manager John Powell, who simply said "God bless them all".

Poppy wreaths were then laid beside the memorial.

Several politicians attended the march, including Neil Kinnock and wife Glenys. The former Labour leader wept as he recalled his father's long association with the steelworks.

Blaenau Gwent Assembly Member Peter Law said the closure had "ripped the heart out of Ebbw Vale" but the sadness of the day was "overshadowed by pride".

He added: "You just look at this turnout and are so impressed. We have gone out on a high note.

"People have had a great love for this works - it has been the lifeblood of the community for so long."

Council leader John Hopkins predicted that, with the creative energy that drove the steelworks for 200 years, Ebbw Vale would "rise like the phoenix from the ashes".

As the crowds began to slowly disperse they broke into a spontaneous version of the national anthem - then said a last farewell to the silent steelworks with three cheers for Ebbw Vale.