THE deaths of an elderly couple who died following a collision in Ponthir have been described as “a loss to our community”.

Tributes were paid to Joyce and Denis Drew, both 86, who were pedestrians at the time of the incident on the B4236 Caerleon Road on November 13. Mrs Drew died shortly after the incident and Mr Drew had been in hospital but died on Tuesday.

Susan Lewis, president of the Ponthir WI where Mrs Drew was a member, said: They were a couple who were valued by many and were seen walking around the village each day. It is a loss to our community.”

She said: “Mrs Drew was a stalwart member and had been a committed member for many years.”

The couple leave behind two daughters and one granddaughter.

A family notice placed in today’s Argus for Mr Drew, the former head of Llanyrafon Primary School in Cwmbran, reads: “The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support at this most difficult time.”

The notice said a funeral cannot be held for some time but details will be announced when available.

An earlier family notice to Mrs Drew has previously been in the paper.

Current Llanyrafon Primary School head Wayne Jones had previously told the Argus: “Mr Drew has always been extremely well respected here and members of staff were actually taught by him when he was head teacher.”

Star pub barmaid Margaret Williams had described the couple as “devoted to each other” and said they never went anywhere without each other and would always be seen walking along the road hand in hand.

The collision, which involved a small blue hatchback vehicle, happened close to the village hall at around 7.30pm.

A 20-year-old woman from the local area was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail.

Officers are appealing for anyonewho may have witnessed the collision to contact Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 411 13/11/13.