Pontypool's ancient Shell Grotto opens to visitors

An ancient grotto in Pontypool made from shells, bones and teeth of animals will open to visitors.

It's being opened to the public for one day with the help of a volunteer group.

The grotto, which dates back to the early 1700s, was closed in the 1970s for over 20 years after the building became unsafe.

Its future looked bleak after research into its restoration found it would be too costly.

A quest for outside funding meant money was secured from Cadw and the European Regional Development Fund during 1992.

The restoration of the grotto began in 1993 and involved rebuilding the stone chimney, replacing roof timbers and repairing damaged stone.

The work to fix the building finished in 1996.

A volunteer group, Pontypool Park Friends, now help to look after the structure but say it's been some time since it was opened to the public on a regular basis.