TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to Torfaen’s longest serving councillor, Gwilliam Evans, who died on Monday (Nov 3).

Mr Evans who represented the Panteg Ward, was first elected in 1967 to Pontypool Urban District Council and served as chairman in 1972/73.

In 1974 he was elected to Torfaen Borough Council and served as Mayor during 1980/81.

After serving 40 years as a local councillor Gwilliam retired from public service and did not stand in May 2008 for re-election.

Leader of the Torfaen council, Cllr Bob Wellington said of his former colleague and friend: “I worked on the council with Gwilliam for 27 years he was an excellent councillor and in fact held the record for being the longest serving councillor in Torfaen.

“He worked extremely hard for the people in his ward. He will be sadly missed both personally and professionally.”

Born on August 18, 1937 in Griffithstown, Pontypool, Gwilliam leaves three children and his wife, Pam.

During his retirement he enjoyed playing bowls and was a member of the Welsh Bowls Council.

He was Chairman of the Eastern Valley Bowls Association in addition to being its fixture secretary.

The secretary of Torfaen Indoor Bowls Club, Barry Smith, said: “Gwilliam was gentleman who will be sadly missed and his death will be a tragic loss to the game bowls.

“I played with him for 20 years and it was always an enjoyable experience playing with someone with such a passion for the sport.”

The Mayor of Torfaen, councillor Aneurin James, added his tribute to Mr Evans.

He said: “I have known Gwilliam for 34 years as a friend and close colleague. “His service to the community of Panteg was exemplary as was his commitment to the various demanding portfolios that he held during his career.

“We miss his wise counsel and experience and our thoughts are very much with Gwilliam's wife and three children.”

Funeral details have not yet been finalised.