One of Gwent's longest serving councillors has died aged 83.

John Huntley, of Somerset Way, Bulwark in Chepstow was a popular figure in local politics in a career spanning more than 40 years, stepping down in 2003.

Mr Huntley died at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport on Tuesday night of complications arising from a chest infection.

Born in Ebbw Vale, he worked at Ebbw Vale steelworks before joining the Royal Navy as a submariner at the age of 18.

He was among the first to cross the Atlantic underwater in a submarine in 1953, which took 17 days. During his seven-year service as a Leading Seaman he visited Malta, South Africa and the Falkland Islands serving on HMS Andrew and HMS Vanguard.

After leaving the Royal Navy, Mr Huntley returned to Wales and the steelworks, where he became an active trade unionist, chairing the branch of the Iron and Steel Trade Federation before taking a post at Llanwern Steelworks, Newport as a Senior Operator on a line plant.

He moved to Chepstow in 1962 and was first elected as a Labour Party member on the Chepstow Urban District Council in 1963.

During his time he saw many changes in Chepstow including the development of the Severn Bridge Social Club, the Bulwark Senior Citizens Club and the transferring of the War Memorial Library to Chepstow Library. Mr Huntley also attended the opening of the first Severn Bridge.

He was leader of Chepstow Urban District Council in 1965 and became its chairman in 1968.

Mr Huntley was also chairman of Gwent County Council in 1992 and and Mayor of Chepstow in 1994 and 1995.

He served as a governor at the newly-opened Thornwell Primary School between 1971 and 2006 as well as at St Kingsmark School and Pembroke Primary School.

He retired from Chepstow Town Council in 2003 and devoted his time to the Submarine Association, of which he was a life vice-president, having served in the Royal Navy between 1946 and 1954.

Away from his political life he has served as president of the Senior Citizens Club, Chairman of Chepstow Rugby Club and was an active member of the Royal British Legion.

His son Andrew Huntley, of Caldicot, said his father was a real champion of Chepstow and a role model.

"He was a great supporter of the town and its rugby teams. He cared about the people of Bulwark and the issues affecting them."

Local councillor Armand Watts said he was a popular and well-respected man who had the ability to get on with other politicians no matter what party and was passionate about politics.

"John had an impact on local politics and was a loyal Labour party member. He had a pragmatic approach and an ability to reach out to people."

"He had a friendliness and sincerity and was a man you could trust."

"I will remember him as a colossal figure in local politics and for his good work in the community."

He is survived by his wife Anne, seven children and 21 great-grandchildren.