‘EDUCATION past and present’ was the theme at this year’s Blaenavon World Heritage Day.

Hundreds of people descended upon the town to watch the parade of adults and youngsters displaying their heritage costumes make their way from Broad Street car park through the town centre yesterday.

The costumes had all been made to follow the theme ‘Blaenavon Education Past and Present’ which was chosen to mark the closure of Hillside Nursery, Hillside School and St Peter’s School and to look forward to the development of Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary.

As well as the schools, other local organisations including Busy Bees Nursery, Blaenavon Scouts and North Torfaen Youth Theatre also took part in the event organised by Torfaen council to mark the town’s 11 years of World Heritage status.

Principal regeneration officer for Blaenavon, Rebecca Hartley who helped organise the day, said: "I am delighted with the event. People always come out to mark the day and are a huge support."

Graham Morris, who is part of Welsh-based Chance Encounters Heritage Interpretation theatre company, was part of the parade along with others from the organisation.

He said: "It has been fantastic. Some of us from the theatre company come here every year. It’s a great atmosphere."

The event continued well into the afternoon in the town with a whole variety of live music, street entertainment, a Victorian funfair, cookery demonstrations, stalls and refreshments.