A former colliery in Wales, which initially closed in 1980, was yesterday re-launched as a visitor attraction following a £7.1m redevelopment programme.

The National Mining Museum of Wales – or Big Pit – is now open to the public after a new visitor centre was added to the site in Blaenafon, north Gwent.

Miners’ showers and lockers have also been restored, with one dedicated to Welsh singer – and ex-miner – Max Boyce.

The multi-million pound refurbishment has also seen the introduction of a number of galleries and a haulage house.

At its busiest in the 1910s, the Big Pit employed more than 1,300 men, before decline in demand in coal closed it in 1980. It was re-opened in 1983 as a visitor attraction.

Ceri Thompson, ex-miner and now a guide at Big Pit, said: “Hopefully the site reminds people that until 20 years ago, coal mining was still one of the most important industries in the region.”

According to Welsh assembly culture minister, Alun Pugh, the Big Pit is among the top Welsh visitor attractions with 112,000 visitors a year. Details: www.nmgw.ac.uk/bigpit/index.en