A 90-YEAR-OLD woman died after a blaze at her home in Blackwood.

The fire broke out in the early hours of yesterday in Gordon Road.

The woman was named by neighbours as Mary Cowley.

She was discovered by firefighters after a neighbour raised the alarm, and was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, but later died. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, although it is not thought to be suspicious.

Neighbours said they were shocked by the tragedy and paid tribute to a "wonderful lady".

One said: "She was a lovely woman, everyone loved her and everyone knew her. She was respected by all the neighbours - like a family to everyone, it's so sad."

Inspector Tony Green, of Gwent Police, said: "Gwent Police and the fire service attended a terraced house in Gordon Road about 3.55am, after receiving a phone call from a member of the public.

"Officers forced entry but were unable to progress due to the intense heat."

A spokesman for South Wales Fire Service said: "There was a fire in the ground and first floor of the terrace dwelling and it is still being investigated."

Assistant Divisional Officer Stan Blandford added: "The crew were confronted with an intense fire and they entered wearing breathing apparatus.

"They searched the building and extinguished the fire. A woman was found unconscious and was taken to hospital, but unfortunately she passed away."