THIS is eight-year-old Luke Matthews who died after his bike was in collision with a bus on Thursday.

The youngster, a twin, was last night described by his family as a "funny and beautiful boy... who was loved by everyone who met him."

Luke, who lived in Blackwood, died from the injuries he received after the bike he was riding collided with a Stagecoach bus in Talywain.

His devastated family released a tribute which said: "In loving memory of mummy's angel. You will be missed by your brothers Sean and Owen.

"You were the life and soul of the party with your singing and dancing.

"Luke, you were our funny and beautiful boy, generous to a fault with a mischievous sense of humour."

They added: "He loved playing with and sharing everything he had with his twin brother Owen and older brother Sean. He was loved by everyone who met him and he's made an enormous impression on us all. He will never be forgotten by his friends and family."

Luke was taken to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital after the accident at 3pm on Thursday but died from his injuries shortly afterwards.

Yesterday more than a dozen bunches of flowers, four teddies and a balloon saying 'we'll miss you' were laid at the crash scene, near Talywain Rugby Club on Emlyn Terrace.

One of the notes read: "A shining light has gone out in our lives. You will be loved forever, Uncle Caleb, Aunty Carol, Tracey, Shaun and family."

Another said: "You were taken in such a tragic way. Our thoughts are with you. From Simon, Amanda, Lauren and Rhys."

Residents in Talywain spoke of their shock and sympathy for Luke's family.

Clare Powell, 36, who lives near the crash scene, said: "It's so tragic, he was so young. I'm just so sorry for his family and friends who have lost him."

Derek Priest, 58, said: "It's really shocked the community that something like this has happened on our roads, no-one can believe it."

Abersychan councillor Wayne Tomlinson said: "Everyone in Talywain is very shocked and saddened by what has happened.

"My thoughts are with his family and also the bus driver, passengers and the people who witnessed this devastating accident."

Inspector Lee Ford, of Gwent Police, described the incident as a tragic accident and said investigations into the crash were still ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the force's collision investigation unit on 01633 642404.