THE husband of a Monmouthshire councillor who lost her battle with leukaemia six weeks ago was presented with her MBE yesterday at a memorial service to commemorate her life.

Hundreds of people attended the service at St Mary's Priory Church, Monmouth, for the former mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Eileen Goodrich.

In a poignant moment, Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle presented Councillor Goodrich's husband, Terry, with the honour she was awarded for her services to the community as the congregation applauded. Councillor Goodrich was too ill to receive her MBE at Buckingham Palace when it was awarded last summer, so it was arranged that the Lord Lieutenant would present it in the new year. Sadly, it had to be presented posthumously.

Mrs Goodrich, who was 73, died on November 27. The service in celebration of her life was conducted by the vicar of Monmouth, Canon Richard Pain, assisted by the chaplain at Monmouth School, Reverend David McGladdery.

The address was given by Reverend Dr Saskia Barnden, chaplain at Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls, who spoke of Councillor Goodrich's indomitable spirit and her love for her family.

During the service, Councillor and Mr Goodrich's only daughter, Deborah, gave a reading from Proverbs.

Among the congregation were Monmouth MP David Davies, a large contingent of Gwent Police officers led by Superintendent Jon Burley, many of the Monmouth town and Monmouthshire county councillors with whom Councillor Goodrich served, including chairwoman Councillor Val Smith, chief executive Colin Berg and leader Councillor Andrew Crump.

Councillor Goodrich served on Monmouth town council for 13 years. In May 2004 she became a county councillor for the Dixton with Osbaston ward, and served on the environment select committee. She also raised thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation.