HOPES that the Amman Valley could become a tourist hotspot got off the ground with the grand opening of Twrch Trwyth.

More than 100 children and up to 30 adults took part in a celebratory stroll along the four-milewalking and cycling trail which travels along the river from Ammanford to Garnant.

Youngsters from Ysgol y Bedol took part in the walk and also performed a play.

The trail is grounded in more than a thousand years of history and celebrates King Arthur’s hunting of the wild boar along the Amman Valley.

The story first appeared in a ninth-century Latin script, but became more famous thanks to Culhwch and Olwen, an 11th century prose romance. The story also forms the basis for the statue of the Ammanford boars at Penybanc Road.

Cwmamantowncouncillor Brian Twomey cut the ribbon to formally open the trail after the council was instrumental in making the project become a reality.

“It was an absolutely wonderful day and could not have gone any better,” said Cllr Twomey.

“The pupils at Ysgol y Bedol gave an absolutely superb performance.”

Council clerkDavidDavies, who helped organise the day, said: “The opening of the trail was amazing.

“It went really, really well.

It was a very successful day and a significant number of people turned up and took part in the walk.”

It is hoped the trail will encourage walkers and ramblers to visit the rarely-trodden paths of the valley, while the council has also beenbusy helping to set up a series of quizzes, competitions and trail events to ensure youngsters can make the most of what’s on offer and discover the area’s past.