PRINCESS Anne will visit Pontypool next month to see key regeneration projects and community schemes.

The Princess Royal will spend the morning in Pontypool viewing two projects aimed at changing the face of the town.

As well as visiting the new Crane Street retail units - part of a £10 million development which includes the Tesco superstore - she will be stepping into the Clarence Hotel, which is undergoing a £3.5 million restoration.

Work on 200-year-old building is due to be completed in June.

Developer Eastern Valley Housing is converting it into flats, offices and conference rooms. The building's distinctive Victorian facade is being restored to its former glory.

The Princess Royal will unveil a plaque commemorating her visit, which takes place on Monday, April 3

Eastern Valley's chief executive, Mark Gardner, said he was delighted with the visit.

He said: "When she visits a substantial amount of the work will be completed in terms of structure and interior - there will be lots to see.

"The feedback we've had so far is that Her Royal Highness is very pleased and interested to see the project in progress, as opposed to the finished article."

The Clarence Hotel was a derelict eyesore blighting the main gateway to Pontypool for nearly a decade and a half. As well as office space and conference space it will also contain 14 flats and Mr Gardner said four of these will be available to buy through the association's affordable ownership scheme.

The Princess Royal will also be visiting Dragon Bands, a Pontypool-based record label and studio which aims to encourage young people's interests in music, and MIST - the Multi-disciplinary Intervention Service for Torfaen, a scheme which supports children with complex needs.