A STATE-OF-THE-ART education block has been officially opened at a Cwmbran animal sanctuary.

The £38,000 project, which has been renovated from a former kennel block, will be used by visitors to All Creatures Great and Small in Llanfrechfa and will also be open to community groups.

Funding for the project was stumped up by Torfaen council and the Cwmbran Trust.

The new block was opened by the Mayor of Torfaen Cllr Neil Mason, Caerphilly Assembly Member Lindsay Whittle and Cwmbran councillor John Cunningham at a ceremony.

The charity manager at All Creatures Great and Small, Richard Crane, said: “The idea is that the funding from the council and the Cwmbran Trust will drive us towards sustainable funding. We are looking for a sustainable future.

“We rely on the public for donations but we are always looking for help. Hopefully this room will be sustainable and make us money.”

The building work was carried out by Cwmbran firm MSH Building and the work – which Mr Crane said was “fantastic” – was completed in 10 weeks.

The charity looks after 150 animals, including chickens, horses and goats and also runs a rehoming scheme for dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Two months ago the growing charity opened its second charity shop in Risca.