A WOMEN’S Institute stalwart died and her husband was critically injured after a crash near their home.

Joyce Drew and her husband Den, both 86, were taken to hospital following a collision with a blue hatchback near the Star pub in Caerleon Road, Ponthir, on Wednesday night.

The couple from Oaklands, Ponthir, were both on foot at the time of the accident at around 7.30pm.

Mrs Drew later died of her injuries while Mr Drew was said to be “stable but critical” in hospital last night.

A 20-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Mrs Drew had been a member of Ponthir WI for nearly half a century and her husband was the former head teacher of Llanyrafon Primary School in Cwmbran.

The couple, were said to be “devoted” to each other and were often seen holding hands in the village.

Mrs Thomas raised funds for St David’s Foundation and is understood to have two daughters.

Ponthir WI former president Helena Thomas said: “Joyce Drew moved in the village in 1966. She was a stalwart of Ponthir WI. She was a very good member and she will be greatly missed. Everybody is very upset.”

Llanyrafon Primary School headteacher Wayne Jones, 56, said: “Mr Drew has always been extremely well respected here and members of staff were actually taught by him when he was head teacher.

“He is remembered here as an absolute gentleman. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Star pub barmaid Margaret Williams said: “They were devoted to each other. They never went anywhere without each other. You would always see them walking along the road hand in hand."

Gwent Police are appealing for information about the accident.

A spokesman said yesterday: “The male and female pedestrians, both 86 and from the Ponthir area, were taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital with serious injuries. The female later died as a result of her injuries and the male remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition."