Richard Burton trail at Afan Forest Park opening

Sculptures of Richard Burton and Rob Brydon have been erected at a rest point. Photo: Peter Knowles

A new trail commemorating Richard Burton in a south Wales forest park is to be officially opened on Saturday.

The three mile (4.8km) trail in Afan Forest Park, named after the Pontrhydyfen-born actor, links together existing footpaths and other routes.

Signposts along the way notify walkers and cyclists of points of interest.

"Burton never forgot his roots," said Neath Port Talbot council, which hopes the trail will offer a new attraction for locals and visitors to the area.

A noticeboard promoting the life of the star, born Richard Walter Jenkins, as well as signs containing facts on his childhood and career, have been installed in readiness for the launch, said the council.

A leaflet promoting the route and a web page including sites of interest relating to Richard Burton in Neath Port Talbot are also available.

Council leader Ali Thomas thanked all those involved in the project, including Burton's close family, his brother Graham Jenkins and the actor's widow Sally Burton.

"This is a fabulous project about a miner's son who came from Pontrhydyfen, Afan Forest Park, who then went on to become a multi-award winning actor," said Mr Thomas.

"Burton never forgot his roots; he was born in Pontrhydyfen and frequently revisited his birthplace to see his family and friends."