THE funeral of a Gwent man who died three days after being found injured on a doorstep will take place on Monday.

Alec Howells, 39 of Blaendare Road, Pontypool, was found by a neighbour bleeding on the doorstep of his brother Chris Howells' home on Ashgrove Close in Pontypool around midnight on January 28.

He died three days later at the University of Wales Hospital, Heath, Cardiff after suffering serious head and spinal injuries.

His family took the decision to turn off his life-support machine after doctors told them there was little chance of a recovery.

Two men were quizzed by police on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Mr Howell's death, but both were released pending further enquiries.

Mr Howell's devastated sister Tina Bennett, 42, of Newman Road, Trevethin told the Argus she was struggling to come to terms with his death and deal with all the funeral preparations.

"We are devastated because although we can have him laid to rest at last, we are not able to see him due to the length of time it has taken for the body to be released," she said.

"It's sooner than we expected, it has really taken us by surprise and we are rushing to get everything ready in time."

The funeral will take place at St Cadoc's Church, Trevethin, on Monday. Mr Howells will be carried there from his mother's house in Newman Road, Trevethin, in a horse-drawn hearse.

"We want all his friends to come along - everyone who knew Alec is welcome," added Ms Bennett.

Mr Howells had attended his sister Anita's wedding reception at New Panteg Rugby Club in the hours before he was found injured.

The odd-job man had two sons, aged five and 10, an 18-year-old daughter, and a 16-year-old step-daughter.

Mr Howell's funeral takes place at 11am and it is followed by a grave-side service at Panteg Cemetery. A wake for family and friends follows at Penygarn and Trevethin community centre.