THE Wye Valley and Vale of Usk are poised to be given up to £500,000 by the Wales Tourist Board over the next six years.

Their application for money as a rural tourism growth area has been successful, but is subject to a satisfactory action plan being drawn up.

Part of the money will be used to fund a locally-based project manager to take the programme forward.

Deborah Haylock, tourism officer for Monmouthshire county council who applied for the grant, said: "The award is really good news for the area. It is a long time since this area has had anything like this status so it will make it easier now for us to apply for capital funding.

"We are keen to try and achieve a Green Globe award as there are none in Wales and very few in the world.

"The award is given by the organisation of that name which looks at the impact of tourism and gives credit for good destinations."

The project manager will be working with local food producers and organising food attractions and trails to local crafts people and producers.

He or she will also be looking to establish trails by foot, bicycle or car where none already exist and year-round events involving music, drama and crafts at heritage sites.

To meet the needs of the tourists who want activity holidays there will be more packaged accommodation that includes options such as walking or cycling routes.

Part of the grant will also be used to provide more visitor information.

The Wye Valley and Vale of Usk areas include historic tourist attractions like Tintern Abbey, Raglan and Chepstow castles and Llanthony Abbey.

* In the picture: The Wye from Wintour's Leap near Chepstow.