AN ELDERLY woman driver died in a head-on collision between two cars on a Gwent country road.

The woman, in her eighties, was pronounced dead at the scene just outside Tintern, Monmouthshire, on the A466 just after 10am on Saturday.

Police confirmed that the woman's husband, also in his 80s, was injured in the collision and taken to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital. His injuries were said not to be life-threatening.

The couple, from the Tintern area, were travelling in a maroon Ford Fiesta. A young couple and their daughter from Caldicot, travelling in a silver Ford Focus, were also hurt in the incident.

Their injuries were also said not to be life-threatening.

The collision took place near the Wye Valley Hotel and Parva Farm Vineyard.

The A466 between Tintern and Brockweir in Gloucestershire was closed for several hours as a major traffic collision investigation got under way.

Vehicle recovery lorries lifted the cars from the road. The vehicles will be examined as part of the investigation by traffic officers to try to determine the cause of the collision.

Monmouthshire Council-lor Ann Webb, who represents Tintern, said: "This is a tragic incident and I am desperately sorry and sympathise with the families involved."

One local man, who did not wish to be named, said: "I saw an ambulance go to the scene. It is always sad when someone dies.

"This can be a dangerous stretch of road, especially at the sharp corner a bit further up. There have been a lot of accidents.

"A few years ago a young girl was killed driving here in an accident with a coach."

Gwent Police are appealing for anyone with information on Saturday's collision to contact them on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.