A CENTRE offering a loans and advisory service to schools and nurseries in Monmouthshire and Torfaen is due to officially open today.

The schools literary and resource centre is based at Torfaen Business Park, New Inn, near Pontypool, and loans range of multimedia resources to teachers, including books to support Curriculum Gymraeg and reading, religious and historical artefacts, story sacks, photo packs and audio visual materials.

A professionally qualified adviser with a small team helps set up and develop school libraries for primary and secondary schools.

Teachers are also offered training in raising standards of literacy and information handling.

The centre is funded by the education services of the two authorities.

It is due to be opened by Councillor Peter Fox, the leader of Monmouthshire council.