THE landlady of The Scrum Half pub in Pontypool has died.

Gwenda Lowe, 57, took over the pub in July 2008 with her husband, Michael, 59. Previously she enjoyed a career as a catering college lecturer in Oldham.

Mr Lowe, who was a driving instructor, said that they met in 1988, when she became his pupil.

He said: “I knew I was going to marry her the moment I saw her. I offered her free driving lessons and it seemed to work.”

The couple lived in Manchester for 20 years before they moved to Wales. Mr Lowe said: “She took over the steering-wheel of the pub, running karaoke and serving behind the bar. She was feisty and a huge supporter of Pubwatch and everybody loved her.”

The funeral is on October 10 at Gwent Crematorium at 2pm, followed by the wake at the pub at 2.45pm.