HIS tireless campaigning spirit earned him the tribute of "a warm-hearted fighter for Wales".

Now calls are growing for the Second Severn Crossing to be renamed after the man who battled so hard for its creation - the late Lord Islwyn. And today the Argus is asking readers what they think would be a fitting memorial to him.

Former Labour leader and Blaenau Gwent MP Michael Foot is among those who believe the Second Severn Crossing, which Lord Islwyn did so much to have built in the first place, should be renamed the Roy Hughes Crossing.

Family, friends and political figures said goodbye to the former Newport MP at his funeral service on Monday.

Among those attending Lord Islwyn's funeral at Abergavenny's St Mary's church was Newport council leader Sir Harry Jones.

Sir Harry has added the issue of renaming the crossing to next Monday's council cabinet meeting for serious discussion.

If momentum built it would be the responsibility of the Department of Transport (DoT) to officially request Severn Crossings PLC to rename the bridge that connects Gwent with England. A spokesman for the DoT in London told the Argus that officials were looking into the issue.

Severn Crossings PLC's James Role said: "If we did receive an official request to rename the crossing we would seriously consider it." Lord Islwyn's successor as MP for Newport East, Alan Howarth, is a big supporter of the idea.

He said: "Last summer I actually wrote an article in the Commons' House Magazine calling for the bridge to be renamed in his honour."

Other supporters of the name change include Newport East Assembly Member John Griffiths and Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law.

Monmouth's MP Huw Edwards believes the suggestion is an interesting one but said: "As well as doing a great deal for the people of Gwent, Roy brought in a Bill that gives protection to badgers all over the UK.

"Perhaps some memorial in connection with his conservation work would be most appropriate."