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A cannabis factory with almost 800 plants has been discovered inside an iconic Merthyr Tydfil chapel.

Unbeknown to nearby residents, the building on Newcastle Street - a prominent landmark in the town since it was built in 1856 - was housing 769 cannabis plants.

(Image: ECH)

Officers only discovered the huge operation after conducting a spot check on someone acting suspiciously.

From the information obtained they discovered the unbelievable haul brazenly being grown in the town centre.

Police also found another haul of plants in a property on Pontmorlais High Street.

A man has been arrested and charged with producing cannabis.

(Image: ECH)

The Salem Chapel was once a congregation church used by the Salvation Army and Merthyr Council.

Since 1986, the chapel has been the Kingdom Hall for Jehovah’s Witnesses.