GOMER Press has published a new book that celebrates the iconic woollen mills of Wales.

The bilingual volume Melinau Gwlân/Woollen Mills of Wales by author Branwen Davies and photographer Iestyn Hughes tells the fascinating story of one of the most colourful and creative industries in Wales.

Once upon a time, the woollen mills were at the heart of Welsh rural communities; today, only a few remain.

In recent years people’s appetite for traditional produce of the highest quality has returned, with provenance being of vital importance to customers. The wool industry in Wales has been able to respond to this positively, and it has been a vital asset in the mill owners’ bid to prosper today.

The wool industry in the Teifi Valley is a part of Branwen’s family history. She said: “Each and every mill has its own unique story. Like their owners, each mill also has its own nature and personality – some are old, some new, some are large, some are small.

“What they do all have in common however is the creativity, unrelentingness, determination, passion and craft of those who are keeping the industry alive.”

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online now