A POPULAR Mid Wales tourist attraction and arts centre is to close for good on Christmas Eve.

The Erwood Station Craft Centre has been run for the past six years by Michael Cunningham, whose late father Alan founded the attraction which houses a cafe and art gallery, in 1984.

Michael, now 29, who took on the business aged 23 after his fathers sudden death while performing at a concert in Talgarth in December 2008, thanked his customers, staff and volunteers in a notice posted at the centre and said that he intends to further his career in conservation and environmental sectors.

It is hoped that new operators will come forward to take on the venture, which this year celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The centre, which is housed in a former train station on the banks of the river Wye and beside the main A470 between Brecon and Builth Wells, will be open every day up to and including Christmas Eve when it will close for the final time.

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