Valleys Kids now own the iconic Thomas & Evans Welsh Hills Works building in Porth which was officially launched as The Factory by First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones. Valleys Kids have ambitious plans for its development.

Richard Morgan, director of funding and co-founder of Valleys Kids, said they bought the building from Avanti Media which wanted to focus on its core business in TV production.

"We're coming to it from a different end to a commercial company," he said.

"Training was always part of the idea but it didn't come to fruition - it's desperately needed in the south Wales valleys.

"The Pop Factory is a unique facility enabling Valleys Kids to explore its entrepreneurial spirit and will help us to sustain our provision in these communities.

"We are committed to changing the lives and outlooks of young people by offering them experiences and skills in the creative industries.

"This iconic building is a perfect venue, ideally placed to help us deliver this."