TWO Swansea Valley villages are celebrating after receiving a total of £125,000 from the National Assembly to carry out essential work.

The Health and Well Being Centre in Ystalyfera has been handed £99,960 to help renovate the facility and increase access, while £25,493 has been dished out to the Gwyn Hall, in Alltwen.

This money will be used to redevelop the site and provide a multi-purpose community facility.

The grants come as part of Labour's Community Facilities and Activities Programme (CFAP) to regenerate local communities.

Gwenda Thomas AM could not hide her delight at the news and insists the money will be of huge benefit to both villages.

She said: "I am delighted that both these applications have been approved by the Assembly's Social Justice and Regeneration Minister, Edwina Hart.

"The dedication of the teams behind both projects to their communities has been well-rewarded with this money and I wish them every success with their future plans.

"Labour has invested over £39 million in similar projects across Wales, because this Labour Welsh Assembly Government recognises how important it is to support community life in places like the Swansea Valley.

"I am pleased the hard work of local community leaders in both Alltwen and Ystalyfera has paid off.

"Thanks to their effort and enthusiasm our community life and the lives of local people who will use the centres is much healthier and enjoyable."