SECRETARY of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan was shown the site of a £40 million redevelopment of the riverside in Chepstow.

She said she "delighted" to visit the town at a time of "pioneering" multi-million pound projects.

Mrs Gillan was shown around the Severn Quay housing development on the former Osborn International site.

She was also told about the success of Mabey Bridge in the green energy sector and Osborn International which has transferred its operations to Newhouse Farm industrial estate.

Mrs Gillan was shown around Severn Quay by Peter Mills, development director of Wynndel Property Management which is behind the project to build 170 homes.

Mrs Gillan said: "I'm delighted to be visiting Chepstow and discussing these pioneering projects in detail.

"It's clear that they have the very real potential of boosting local tourism and creating jobs.

"It's also clear that they could become a turning point for Monmouthshire through the regeneration of Chepstow."

The Welsh Secretary was also introduced to local Conservative candidates for the forthcoming elections, the leader of Monmoutshire Council, Councillor Peter Fox, and Monmouth MP David Davies.

Peter Mills said: "This is a real good news story, and we are delighted that Mrs Gillan has chosen to support us in this way."