It has been 44 years since the last passenger train ran in the area.

Now the line which has been used for freight services, is being
upgraded with six new stations being built.

It is hoped the hourly service will provide better commuting
opportunities for people in Blaenau Gwent.

The Ebbw Vale rail link scheme will upgrade 18 miles of railway line
for passenger services, restoring a link with Cardiff that was severed
in 1962.

'Beautiful landscapes'

Trish Law, assembly member for Blaenau Gwent, said she was "delighted"
work was starting on the rail service after her late husband Peter Law
had campaigned for the service.

She said: "It gives our people in Blaenau Gwent the chance to get to
Cardiff and to get to Newport either for leisure or for work.

"But it also gives others the chance to come into Blaenau Gwent - which
is absolutely beautiful - to see what we've got here. A lot of history
and beautiful landscapes."

Welsh Enterprise Minister Andrew Davies launched the track work at Ebbw
Vale on Thursday at 1130 BST.

The project is a key part of the continued regeneration of the area
following the closure of the Corus works in 2002.

Transport expert Stuart Cole of the University of Glamorgan said the
scheme was about regeneration.

"It's people's opportunities to get jobs, people's opportunities to
take part in social events and people's opportunities to improve their
environment and lifestyle," Professor Cole said.

New stations along the route will include Abertillery, Llanhilleth and
Risca.

However, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Mike German said he
was concerned about the standard of the service.

"What sort of trains are people going to travel in? Are they going to
be comfortable or are they going to be squashed up like bottles in a
milk crate?" asked Mr German.