TRIBUTES are pouring in for Monmouth councillor Eileen Goodrich, who died on Sunday night from leukaemia.

The 73-year-old, who was awarded an MBE in June, was mayor of Monmouth, a Drop It To 40! Campaigner, British Heart foundation fundraiser and chairman of the Monmouth Partnership Against Crime.

Eileen and her husband Terry moved to Monmouth in 1988 and soon became involved with the community and served for 13 years on Monmouth Town Council. She served as mayor of the town in 1999-2000.

In May of last year, Eileen achieved a personal ambition in becoming a Monmouthshire county councillor for the Dixton with Osbaston ward and sat on the council's Select Committee for Environment.

The leader of the council Andrew Crump said: "As well as being an astute politician, Eileen was a well-loved and well respected member of our council."

The Chief Executive of the council, Colin Berg said: "We'll all miss her greatly."

In June this year, Councillor Goodrich was awarded with an MBE for her efforts serving the community in Monmouthshire.

Simon Boyle, the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent said: "I've met Eileen on several occasions and I know that she was too ill to receive her MBE at Buckingham Palace in the summer.

"We rearranged a ceremony locally to enable her to receive the award in the new year and I am still hoping to be able to present the award posthumously to her family."

Eileen leaves husband Terry, three children, Deborah, Nicholas and Alfie and six grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned for St Mary's Priory Church followed by a natural burial at Usk.