THE body of a missing Blackwood pensioner was found in a river.

Eirwen Jones, who was 69, disappeared from her home in the Grove Park area on May 23.

Police carried out an intensive search of the Blackwood, Markham and Argoed areas for Mrs Jones, and search and rescue dogs and a helicopter were brought in to help.

Officers from Blackwood police station also gave out posters to local shops, appealing for help from the public in finding Mrs Jones.

But the pensioner's body was found in the River Sirhowy, below the weir near Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre, on Saturday afternoon.

Sergeant Fran Richley, of Blackwood police, told the Argus: "Mrs Jones' family have been informed and are in close contact with one of our liaison officers.

"There will be an inquest and examination to determine the cause of death but it is not being treated as suspicious."

Mrs Jones lived with her 78-year-old husband, Islwyn, in Cardigan Way.

She was said to have been suffering from depression.

* Pictured, flashback to the Argus last month

Her funeral will be held at 11.30am on Saturday at Paran Chapel, Manmoel, and members of the public and anyone who knew Mrs Jones is invited to attend.