Culture and Tourism Minister Lord Elis-Thomas AM has officially opened the new public library at Knighton Community Centre.

Earlier today the Minister joined Council leader Cllr Rosemary Harris and Kirsty Williams AM along with Cabinet member for Libraries Rachel Powell and a host of other dignitaries in opening the new facility, which completed it's move at the end of 2017.

After his address Lord Elis-Thomas enjoyed listening to the Llanfair Singers before embarking on a tour of the building.

"I'm pleased to officially open Knighton Library in an enhanced community hub," he said.

"Libraries are important for local communities, and innovative partnership working and shared facilities such as this hub are one way to ensure services are still available for local people, particularly in rural areas.

"I hope this new facility will attract more people from the area to come and explore the library and benefit from all that it offers."

Commenting on the visit, Kirsty Williams said the library played a vital role in maintaining Knighton's 'quality of life'.

"It was a special pleasure to welcome Lord Elis-Thomas," she said.

"He has a lifelong, deep interest in the arts and culture and the role it can play in maintaining the vitality and quality of life of communities in rural Wales. I am sure he was deeply impressed with the way the people of the districts of both Knighton and Rhayader have worked together to use culture and the arts as a means of sustaining and regenerating their communities, as well as improving their quality of life."