TRIBUTES have been paid to the victims of two fatal crashes which both happened in the last two weeks.

Ceridwen Ann Lea, 69, died after a crash on the A449 between Raglan and Usk on Friday. The mother-of-two from Caerphilly, who has been described as a “lovely Christian lady” in a tribute by her family, died from injuries sustained after a car crashed into a tree shortly after 4pm on the southbound carriageway near Usk. A 69-year-old man has since been released from hospital after suffering minor injuries in the crash.

The beloved wife of Robert Lea and mother of Edward and Stuart was also grandmother to Alana, 10, Samuel, nine, Maddie, seven and Ffion, two. In a statement yesterday, her family said she was “a wonderful mother and wife”.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 101 with reference 419 27/12/13.

In another incident, an Abertillery man has been released on bail pending enquiries after the death of a motorbike passenger in Bedwas last Monday. Mum Claire Victoria Bridgeman,40, from Caerphilly, died after the bike collided with a car on Pandy Road at around 5.15pm. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her companion, a 31-year-old man, was in hospital in critical condition as the Argus went to press.

The 33-year-old driver of a red Peugeot 306 estate was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving while unfit through drink or drugs. In a tribute to Ms Bridgeman, her family said she was “a warm hearted woman whose world revolved around her family.”

Police urge witnesses to the crash or anyone who saw the car or motorbike before it, to call 101 with log number 407 23/12/13.