TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'kind and caring' Caldicot town councillor who has died.

Christina Ashwin, born in the town, worked on local issues for the Severn ward for the past three years, died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on June 21, surrounded by her loving family.

In 2007/8, she joined her husband Dave, also a councillor for the town, in his mayoral year, attending events in the local area as mayoress.

The former Green Lane primary school pupil had sons Gwyn, 44, Gareth, 42, and David, 38.

In her adult life the 65-year-old became a supervisor at former high street chain Woolworths, before meeting husband Dave, who she lived with for 23 years and was married to for eight.

Mr Ashwin said his wife, was 'never a headline grabbing councillor', instead working quietly on social housing issues and tackling drug problems in the local community.

"She was kind and caring and would do anything for anyone, she enjoyed helping people in her role," he said.

Daughter-in-law Tracy Sobey said Mrs Ashwin loved her three grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and two step- great grandchildren, adding she is 'much loved and much missed'.

Cllr Julia Haskey, who knew Mrs Ashwin well, said if there were major issues she would take them up with Monmouthshire council to protect the community.

Cllr Haskey said: "She would do anything for anybody. On behalf of everybody in Plaid I say we have lost a good friend aswell as a good councillor."

Mrs Ashwin's funeral was held yesterday and donations can be paid to Pancreatic Cancer UK and St Davids Foundation via Philip Blatchly and son.