Youngsters in a deprived community of Gwent are enjoying a new-look youth club following a vital £40,000 upgrade.

Cold Barn Farm in Trevethin, Pontypool, now has a new pool table, kitchen, and caf-style dining area, plus redecorated walls and a renovated hall.

"We've done it out from top to bottom and it's out of this world," said Councillor John Marshall, chairman of the Cold Barn committee.

Councillor Lewis Jones, vice-chairman of the committee, said: "You only had to see the look on the kids' faces on the day it re-opened - they were over the moon.

"The colour scheme was of their choosing and they're clearly very happy with it."

The centre also now has improved disabled access and holds Sure Start support groups for young mothers.

The project was funded by £15,000 raised by local people taking part in sponsored events such as walks and rugby matches, along with £25,000 from an Objective One grant last November.

The youth and community centre in Woodside Road already has a mini skatepark, built in 2004, and it's now an "ideal place for kids to go", according to Mr Jones.

A fitness club based on boxing exercises was also launched at the venue recently having been held in Cwmbran due to a lack of space.

An official opening is planned in the next six weeks.