THE family of a Ponthir couple who both died following a collision with a car described them as “a duo” who were always holding hands right up until their last moment together.

The daughters of Joyce and Denis Drew, Sarah England, 53, and Helen Adam, 50, said the deaths of their parents had left them “completely devastated” and had left a “huge hole” in their lives and the community.

But, speaking along with Mrs England’s daughter Grace, 15, they said they were comforted by the fact their parents are back together and also by the support which had been provided in the community.

Mr and Mrs Drew, both 86, were pedestrians at the time of the incident which happened on the B4236 Caerleon Road, on November 13 at around 7.30pm. Mrs Drew died shortly after the incident and Mr Drew had been in hospital but died on Tuesday.

Mrs England, who lives in London with her husband Russell, and Mrs Adam who lives in Somerset with her husband Marc, said: “Everyone we have spoken to has said they can’t imagine one without the other.”

Mr Drew, a former headteacher who also completed national service with the RAF, was born and raised in Abersycan and had met his wife on a blind date while in the West Midlands on a teaching job.

Shortly after he had to return home to support his family following the death of his father Arch but a number of years later, he contacted Mrs Drew and the pair were reunited.

The couple married within the year on March 31, 1959.

Mr Drew had teaching jobs in Abersychan and Griffithstown but was headteacher at Usk CV, Llanyrafon and Hollybush Primary schools before he retired.

Even then, such was his passion for education, he continued teaching by doing private tuition and leading assemblies at a local school.

The family said: “He just seemed to have a very gentle and patient nature but he was actually very strong and tough."

Mrs Drew worked in administration and at a travel agency during her lifetime before working as a registrar of births, deaths and marriages in Pontypool.

She was also a stalwart member of Ponthir WI, a driver for WRVS meals on wheels and spent decades of her life raising money for St David’s Foundation Hospice Care.

Mrs Adam said: “She could be quite feisty and ruled the roost but she also knew if dad put his foot down. They were a duo.”

The couple were also committed Christians and had attended All Saints Church, Llanfrechfa, since 1960.

The sisters added: “We feel very privileged to have had them as parents. The effect that they had on a lot of people makes us feel very proud of them.”

Further tributes were also made to the couple from friends within the community.

Glyn Parry, 86, of Sebastopol, had known Mr Drew for more than 80 years with the pair attending school together in Abersychan.

He said: “They were a devoted and loving couple. He was a very good headteacher and teacher. It is such a tragic event.”

Reverend Kevin Lake, vicar of Caerleon and Llanfrechfa, said the couple were “truly committed Christians”.

He said: “Their tragic death has devastated members of our church family. They will be truly missed but we have wonderful and cherished memories of them.”

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

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