A NEW bike and horse trail linking the Vale with other hubs across south Wales will be given funds by the Welsh Government.

A plan for a long distance horse and mountain bike trail that links the Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr will receive £39,997 of support.

Twenty projects in total across Wales will receive funding as part of the Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being in Wales grant scheme.

The funding was announced to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: “We are delighted this project, which is a partnership between South Wales Local Authorities, the British Horse Society, Sustrans and Wales Adventure Tourism Organisation, has been granted funding.

“It is the first step in developing a long-distance trail that connects routes across the Vale and beyond.

“It should help establish the region as a high-quality area for both horse riding and mountain biking.”

The Welsh minister for environment, energy and rural affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “These grants will make a difference.

“They will help not only the environment and biodiversity of the land around us, but also the wellbeing and mental health of the communities and businesses who utilise and enjoy them.

“We need to ensure people can access the wonderful resources they have around them.

“Grants like these will help make it easier than ever to do that.

“It is important we preserve and protect the environment around us for future generations to enjoy.”