THIS is the elderly couple who died after a car crash in Llanhilleth.

Retired builder Stanley Howell James, and his wife Evelyn, were involved in the accident on the A467 on Tuesday morning.

Mr James, who was 85, died later on the day of the accident, which happened at the junction with Glandwr Industrial Estate.

The couple's Metro was involved in a collision with a Rover 218. Mrs James, who was 82, died at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny on Thursday night.

The couple, who lived in Maesycnew Terrace, Llanhilleth, ran an ironmonger's shop in Swffryd for many years.

They leave a son Alan, daughter-in-law Lynn, granddaughters Donna, Nicola and Maria and great-grandchildren Daniel, Liam, Jack and Bethan.

Mr James' funeral has been arranged for 11.30am, on September 3, at Zion Congregational Church in Llanhilleth, followed by burial at Abercarn Cemetery.

It is not yet known what arrangements are being made for his wife's funeral.

Flowers have been laid at the spot where the crash took place, and tributes have been made to the couple by residents of Llanhilleth, who have described them as "a very well-liked couple".

Lyn Maloney, chairman of the Llanhilleth Residents and Tenants Association, said: "It is dreadful to hear the sad news about Evelyn.

"It was news that a lot of people were expecting, but hoping they wouldn't hear.

"Evelyn was very quiet, but a very nice woman. She and her husband were generous supporters of local organisations, including the fete and the former community centre.

"She was a member of the Maesycnew Ladies Club."

Gwent Police said yesterday that the investigation into the accident is still continuing. No one has been arrested.

Although it is not known whether speed was a factor in the crash, calls have been made for the speed limit to be reduced on the 60mph stretch of road between Crumlin and Abertillery, where the accident happened.

Local people have said the road should be made safer before further serious accidents happen.