FORMER mayoress of Newport, Lindsay Al-Nuaimi, has died after losing her battle against cancer.

Mrs Al-Nuaimi, 62, who also worked tirelessly as a councillor for 13 years, died in the early hours of Monday at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

Right up until her death, she was very active in the community, and was elected to represent the Gaer Ward in 1991.

As the Chairwoman of Newport Housing Trust, she paid great attention to the needs of the city's senior citizens, leading a regeneration project which replaced many of Newport's prefabricated homes with modern bungalows.

In 2006, she became the city's mayoress, serving alongside her husband, Miqdad, who was Newport's first mayor from the ethnic minortiy communities and a councillor representing Stow Hill for 20 years.

Shortly afterwards she learned of her condition, but undeterred, she fulfilled her commitments as the Chair of Governors for both the Gaer's infant and junior schools.

She also helped set up the Gaer Community Network, for which she received a 'lifetime achievement' award for her dedication to the service.

Paying tribute to his wife, Mr Al-Nuaimi said that her work in this area of Newport was "a source of pride and inspiration" that encouraged her to fight the disease.

He also said she fulfilled her role as Mayoress with "warmth, grace and a sense of humour" and amongst numerous engagements she attended, she was proud to be part of the centenary commemmoration of the Transporter Bridge.

"Lindsay was very proud of the talent, commitment and dedication she witnessed on the parts of young people, community and charity groups and individual citizens of all ages and backgrounds," he said.

Mrs Al-Nuaimi met her husband, who is orignially from Iraq, when he was studying at Allt-yr-yn College and he lived in the Stow Hill area.

Born in Cwmbran, her working life began as a library assistant at the central library.

She studied for a degree in Behavioural Sciences at the University of Glamorgan before marrying Miqdad in 1968.

Mrs Al-Nuaimi also taught at Crosskeys College for around ten years.

She leaves two grown-up sons, Adam and Omar, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

The funeral will be held at St Woolos Cathedral on May 7 at 11am.

Donations can be sent to St David's Foundation.