A MEMORIAL service was held on Sunday in memory of former Torfaen Councillor Dennis Puddle, who died peacefully on May 26.

The congregation at the service included the leader of Torfaen council, Cllr Bob Wellington.

He said: "The service was a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much to public life in Torfaen and will be greatly missed."

The service was held at 6pm on Sunday in St Peter's Church, Blaenavon. It was conducted by the Rev Dr Jason Bray, Vicar of Blaenavon, assisted by the Rev Robert Lindsay, curate of Blaenavon and Canon Brian Pippen, rector of Pontypool and chaplain to Torfaen Council.

Respects were also paid from Rev Michael Williams, chaplain to Mr Puddle when he served as mayor of Torfaen.

Dennis Puddle, who died peacefully in his 90s, at The Arthur Jenkins Care Home, Blaenavon, was a beloved father of Dawn, father-in-law of Keith, grandfather of Emma and husband Kristian, great grandfather of Hugo.

His funeral took place on June 8, at the Gwent Crematorium.

He was well respected for the work he achieved in Blaenavon, Mr Puddle was a miner at Big Pit and went on to represent his fellow workers as a trade union officer with the National Union of Miners.

He was an active councillor for Blaenavon for several decades and was chairman of the Blaenavon Urban District Council between 1960-1961 and 1969-1970.

Mr Puddle was also a Torfaen councillor and deputy leader of the council. He served as mayor of Torfaen in 1976/77 with his late wife Alice as mayoress.

Earlier this year Mr Puddle was nominated as a Free Press community champion.