HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to remember South Wales East AM Steffan Lewis today.

Mr Lewis, who was 34, died on Friday, January 11, following a year-long battle with bowel cancer.

His funeral was held in the peaceful surroundings of St Luke's Church in Abercarn earlier today, Friday.

The church was standing-room only, with around 200 more outside listening to the service - which was conducted in English and Welsh at Mr Lewis' request - on speakers.

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South Wales Argus:

Mourners leave Steffan Lewis' funeral im Abercarn

Political differences were put aside to remember the AM, with mourners including numerous Plaid Cymru figures, as well as first minister Mark Drakeford and his predecessor Carwyn Jones, leader of the Welsh Conservative group Paul Davies, and others.

Rev Aled Edwards led the service, and painted a picture of a man as committed to his dream of Welsh independence as he was to his family - including wife Shona and son Celyn, three.

Steffan Lewis' coffin leaves his funeral in Abercarn

Giving a eulogy, Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said Mr Lewis had joked mourners at his funeral should be asked to pledge to give up beer and wine until Wales had declared independence.

"His light shone beyond the confines of his country," he said.

South Wales Argus:

First minister Mark Drakeford, Jane Hutt AM and Gwent police and crime commissioner Jeff Cuthbert at the funeral of Steffan Lewis at St Luke's Church in Abercarn. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

Mr Price also read tributes from Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who remembered Mr Lewis as "a talented individual" and "a lovely man", as well as the Irish ambassador to the UK Adrian O'Neill.

He added: "He touched us all in so many ways, and it stings to know we will no longer be able to touch him."

Former AM Jocelyn Davies also paid tribute to Mr Lewis, saying: "Wales has lost one of its wisest and best political characters if our time."

Mourners leave Steffan Lewis' funeral

Closing the service, Rev Edwards recalled the words of Mr Lewis himself, who said in the Assembly shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer: "I have learned in the last few weeks that life is too short not to say what you believe and believe what you say."

South Wales Argus:

Torfaen AM Lynne Nealge, ex-first minister Carwyn Jones and Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies leave Steffan Lewis' funeral. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

Mr Lewis' coffin - draped in a Welsh flag - was brought into the church to the sound of bagpipe melody Highland Cathedral, while music at the service included Cwm Rhondda, Welsh hymn Gwahoddiad and the Welsh national anthem.

His coffin was led out to Irish folk ballad The Fields of Athenry. The service was followed by a private burial at Abercarn Cemetery.

South Wales Argus:

The hearse carrying Steffan Lewis' coffin leaves his funeral. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

South Wales Argus:

The order of service for Steffan Lewis' funeral