The Welsh Assembly Government has announced a £7.6m funding boost towards the completion of a major new cycling and walking network in the South Wales valleys.

Funding will be used to create 100 miles (161km) of new routes as part of the Valleys Cycle Network, which will follow former tramways, towpaths and railway lines created as part of the region's industrial paths. The new network will complement more than 250 miles (402km) of existing routes and will improve walking and cycling opportunities for residents of Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd, Llantrisant and Pontypool, while also linking up with routes in the Swansea, Llynfi, Taff, Ely and Ebbw valleys.

Led by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, the three-year scheme will receive £3.5m from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund, £3m from the Welsh Assembly Government and support from the Big Lottery Fund. It is hoped that the scheme will also encourage more people to use the routes as an alternative to car journeys in a bid to reduce carbon emissions and improving health levels in the region.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Welsh minister for the economy and transport, said: "We are committed to encouraging more cycling and walking throughout Wales, helping people to reduce car journeys and provide them with healthy and cost effective access to employment and training opportunities. "This project will bring immense benefits to the health and well-being of people in the South Wales valleys, and to the environment of the area by reducing emissions caused by car use. It will form part of a wider scheme which will encourage more route users across the whole of Wales."

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