TREDEGAR councillor Bill Davies is stepping down after twelve years in office because he wants to take care of his wife following her hip operation.

Mr Davies, 71, has enjoyed a 22 year political career, during which he spent three years representing the Tredegar ward for Gwent County Council and nine years representing the ward for Blaenau Gwent council.

He also spent ten years as a Tredegar town councillor and was Mayor of Tredegar in 1996.

But Mr Davies told the Argus he is packing in politics to help his wife of 48 years, Evelyn, recover from a hip operation.

Mrs Davies, also 71, has been having problems with the muscle below her hip and has been struggling to walk for the past four and a half years.

Last month, she had an operation and Mr Davies said he wants to be around her in case she has a fall.

Mr Davies said: "I've enjoyed working for the council, but my family must come first.

"I'll absolutely miss working for the ward. I've always been interested in local politics.

"The real joy of it all is all the people you can help as a councillor."

Mr Davies said he looks back on all of his years in local politics with fond memories, but says being the mayor of Tredegar was his highlight.

Mr Davies made around 130 visits throughout his year in the role and enjoyed attending different events in the town.