VISITORS to a Monmouthshire village will be able to get to grips with its past thanks to the opening of a new history centre.

Members of the public will be able to find out more about Sudbrook, a village on the edge of the River Severn between Chepstow and Caldicot, after a local history group secured funds for the facility.

Based at a room in the village’s non-political club, it will be run by volunteers fromthe Caldicot and district local history society.

The project is financed with £1,000 from Monmouthshire council’s community environmental grants scheme and will feature an exhibition, video, walking guides, souvenirs, refreshments and toilets on site.

Following its opening on May 7, visitors can use these resources to research more about the Severn Railway Tunnel from the 1880s.

Almost all of the village’s buildings were constructed for its workforce, including a large pumping station which pumps millions of gallons of water out each day.

Information about historical features such as an iron age fort, a medieval chapel and remnants from World War Two will also be provided.

Sudbrook is also a short walk from Black Rock, home to the famous lave net fishery.

Mr Pete Strong, secretary of the Caldicot-based history group behind the set-up of the centre, said it will be important for locals and visitors alike to learn about the village’s heritage.

He said: “Sudbrook is a planned Victorian village and still is of such character.

There was nothing there but a small notice board so we thought we would try and make a difference.”

The facility will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until the end of September, from 10am to 3pm.

Entry is free.