A holy shrine in south Wales - said to be the centre of miracles since the medieval period - is to be renovated and restored.

For centuries St Mary's Well at Penrhys, in Rhondda, has attracted thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

Now money is to be spent breathing new life into the historic monument.

The story of Penrhys is shrouded in mystery and legend.

For centuries pilgrims have made their way across the rugged mountain to the shrine of our Lady of Penrhys.

Destroyed by Thomas Cromwell

A modern statue there now replaces a more glorious version that was burnt by Thomas Cromwell in 1538.

Further down the mountain lies a well - which may date back to pre-Christian times.

The water is said to have extraordinary curative powers and it became as popular a centre of pilgrimage and devotion in earlier centuries as Lourdes and Fatima are today.

Each year thousands still pay homage to the shrine, but the steep access makes it difficult to reach.

Now the Penrhys Partnership - a community regeneration body based on the nearby Penrhys Estate - is to spend �80,000 pounds renovating and restoring the site.