A POPULAR Gwent businessman died after suffering a heart attack at home.

John Phillips, 58, of Miller Close, Langstone, Newport, owned J & A Phillips Builders Merchants, Granville Lane, with his wife, Anne, 53, for 21 years.

He had a heart attack at home on Boxing Day and was in intensive care at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, until he died on December 28.

Brother Brian, 54, said: "John was always a happy-go-lucky character who was down to earth and was dedicated to family and work."

Mrs Phillips said her husband gave a lot to charity and enjoyed meeting friends in the Picton Arms, Pill.

She said: "He loved his job and he loved his garden, he would spend hours there."

His daughter, Christine Birch, 24, said he was well known by all the community.