Blaenavon's Big Pit is to get its own brand of cheese thanks to a new business venture designed to promote tourism in the town.
Pwll Mawr cheddar will be taken underground and matured at the bottom of the shaft at Big Pit to develop its special characteristics, before being sold in the museum's gift shop.
The unique recipe has been especially created by Susan Fiander-Woodhouse and her husband, Gerry Woodhouse, who together have established a new business, The Blaenafon Cheddar Company and Mountain Tours.
The pair have been working as voluntary rangers for the World Heritage Site for the past two years and they are now turning their passion into a business.
Susan explained: "Our family business will be producing a set of four hand-made cheeses which promote some of the important historic areas of Blaenavon."
Susan, aged 45, has vast experience in the cheese-making business. She worked for nine years at Abergavenny Fine Foods, with seven years spent developing recipes.
The new business will be based in Broad Street, where tourists can discover the production process and sample some of the delicious cheeses on offer.
It is hoped the products will also be sold at other Welsh tourist attractions.
The couple, who are active members of Torfaen Tourism Association and the Countryside and Recreational Association, developed the idea in response to visitors' suggestions.
Outward Bound enthusiast Gerry, aged 43, will be in charge of developing the guided walks.
The company will also offer pre-booked cycle hire and will stock information about places to stay and visit.
"We want to be ambassadors for the whole area, helping to link businesses together so we all benefit.
"We are passionate about Blaenavon and want to encourage visitors to discover the tales of hardship, success, love, history and religion which sit right on our doorstep."
The company has received support from Business Eye, Agri Foods, CODA and Venture Wales, and Susan praised their assistance, saying: "They have been brilliant, they all said it is a great idea.
"We are really looking forward, it will be great to be working as part of the community."
The Blaenafon Cheddar Company and Mountain Tours will be officially launched on Saturday, December 2, at its shop in Broad Street.
First published on the Free Press website|
The first batch of Pwll Mawr Cheese arrives at Big Pit. Gerry Woodhouse of the Blaenafon Cheddar Company holds the cheese as, from left, John Perrett, Paul Green, Susan Fiander-Woodhouse of the Blaenafon Cheddar Company, Mike Keenan and Mike Perham look on
Susan Fiander-Woodhouse, right, and Gerry Woodhouse, of the cheese company get ready
with a special delivery