A derelict mill building in Carmarthenshire has been transformed into a new arts complex.

The former farmers co-operative in St Clears has now been established as the West Wales Centre for the Crafts at a cost of around �700,000.

Local artists' work are on display

The three-storey building, in the centre of the town, will be home to about 20 staff and local artists and includes craft shops, meetings rooms, a caf� and a 'cyber space'.

The project was helped by a grant from the Arts Council for Wales and forms part of a wider scheme to enable a further investment of �7m for the development of crafts in the region.

The scheme has been undertaken by enterprise agency Antur Cwm Taf/Tywi (ACTT) following consultation with local residents.

Bethan Michael of ACTT said: "This building was in a terrible state with no floors or windows.

"We asked the local people what they wanted here and this is what they told us."

It is hoped the centre, which has been officially opened by Welsh culture Minister Jenny Randerson, will help the tourism industry in the area as well as providing work for local artists.

Work creation

Artist David Petersen said: "This important scheme will create work to help keep young people in the area - which is the aim of Antur Taf/Tywi."

The renovation work on the building has involved providing disabled access to a street-level gallery with a motorised lift for wheelchair users.

The site is owned by Carmarthenshire council and ACTT will be paying a peppercorn rent for the property for the next 25 years.

The centre is currently featuring an exhibition called "Ystyr y Tir" (Meaning of the Land) which has been funded by the Festival Interceltic Lorient and the Welsh Assembly.