Plans for the creation of four tourism centres across Wales, which will offer facilities for outdoor and adventure activities, have been handed a £16m funding boost.

The Welsh Assembly Government has announced that funding, which has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities, will help create new centres of excellence.

North Wales Cycling Activity Tourism Centre of Excellence will receive more than £2.2m, which encompasses nine components and includes upgraded facilities at Coed Llandegla near Wrexham.

The use of Llyn Brenig's visitor facilities will be extended; the creation of a new natural trail between Llangollen, Corwen and the Dee Valley; and an information centre at Betws-y-Coed are also planned.

Elsewhere, the Eryri Centre of Excellence, Snowdonia, has been awarded nearly £2m; the Off-Road Cycling Centre of Excellence for South Wales will net more than £3m; and 'One Historic Garden' Centre of Excellence in South West Wales has been allocated nearly £2.7m.

Welsh heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones said: "These centres will provide world class facilities in a wide range of outdoor tourism activities and will showcase what Wales has to offer to visitors as a sustainable tourism destination.

"These projects will be developed with the highest regard for the natural environment on which they rely and on strong sustainable principles."