A DEVOTED mother and dedicated teacher has died at the age of 32 following an asthma attack.

Lisa Roberts died suddenly at home. She is survived by her husband Paul and the couple's two-year-old son Tomas.

Her family, of Rhys Road, Blackwood, say Lisa had been allergic to household dust mites as a child, and used a Ventolin inhaler for minor wheeziness, which she experienced around once a year.

On October 10 Lisa suffered a massive asthma attack and efforts by her husband and an ambulance crew could not save her.

Now her family have spoken of the happy and bubbly woman, who adored her baby son, was devoted to her pupils at Garnfach Infants School, Nantyglo, and who loved parties, shopping and travelling.

Her husband Paul, also 32, said: "Tomas was Lisa's life. She always made sure that their time together was very special.

"She also loved teaching. It was what she always wanted to do and what she was good at."

Mrs Richards is also survived by parents Gareth and Christine Bobbett, and sister Nicky Richards, 29.

"The other love of Lisa's life was her West Highland terrier Max - he worshipped the ground she walked on," said her sister. "Lisa was my best friend as well as my sister."

Her mother said: "Lisa was always smiling and laughing - she could always see the funny side of things.

"She was also very modest - she would never boast. She was a fun-loving person but she was shy too."

Mrs Roberts was brought up in Pontllanfraith and attended Bryn Primary, then Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School and Cross Keys College. She was in the 1st Pontllanfraith Guides with her sister and they did voluntary work for children's charity Barnado's.

Mrs Roberts went on to study to be a teacher at the Institute of Higher Education in Swansea.

She taught in Kuwait for two years before returning to work as a supply teacher. Then she got the job at Garnfach Infants.

It was shortly after returning home that she met her future husband and the couple married three years ago.

Mrs Richards' funeral was held at Woodfield Park funeral home on Friday and was attended by around 500 people, some coming from as far as Egypt.

The service was followed by cremation at Gwent Crematorium in Croesyceiliog.

The family has thanked everyone for the support and kindness they have been shown since Lisa's death.

More than £600 in donations has been collected for Guide Dogs for the Blind.