His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales was met by cheering crowds as he officially opened a new climbing centre near Nelson.
Prince Charles visited the Rock UK Summit Centre in Trelewis to officially open the site.
The centre, which was reopened in June 2018, is built on the site of the former Taff Merthyr colliery.
During his visit on Friday, February 22, Prince Charles took a tour of the site, speaking to rock climbers and watching them demonstrate their skills. He also spoke to former miners from the Taff Merthyr colliery.
Centre Director Rachel Allen, who is from Blackwood, told Caerphilly Observer: “It was amazing to have Prince Charles visit. It was a real privilege.”
Rock UK Chief Executive, John Heasman, said: “We wanted today to be a real celebration and it’s been exactly like that.”
Mr Heasman added: “Having previously been a mine, it has a sense of community.
“I’m delighted to see the transformation of an old mine into modern community facilities.”
Ms Allen said: “The community has given us a wonderful reception. People walk and cycle here and we have many local children come here.
“The centre was run down in 2010 so we raised £4 million and we were able to reopen it last summer.”
Prince Charles visited the centre having visited Port Talbot and Neath earlier in the day.
Gerald Jones MP and Dawn Bowden AM, who both represent the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency, were at the reopening.
Mr Jones said: “The visit by HRH Prince Charles was a huge boost to the Summit Centre and is recognition of the work of Rock UK, Taff Bargoed Development Trust and local volunteers over many years.
“With the longstanding support of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Welsh Government, Lottery and other funders, the Summit Centre is now a great activity centre for local families and a real boost to local tourism.
“I think the Prince was genuinely impressed with the way in which the buildings have been regenerated and it was great to see some former miners there to meet the Prince and to witness the transformation of their former workplace.”
Ms Bowden said: “It was a pleasure to be at Rock UK in Trelewis today to see the latest phase of the development of the Climbing Centre and to welcome HRH Prince Charles to the constituency to officially open the completed facility.
“The Centre has been a collaborative effort between Rock UK, Welsh Government and Merthyr Tydfil Council and the benefits of the partnership are there for all to see.
“It is a fantastic example of activity tourism in Merthyr Tydfil which is attracting people from across Wales and the rest of the UK, giving people the opportunity to not only take part in the activities on offer, but also showcasing the beautiful surrounding scenery on this former colliery site.”
Ms Bowden added: “It is something for us all to be proud of.”