TRIBUTES are being paid to a Blaenau Gwent councillor who died after a short illness.

Cheryl Morris, 60, the member for Cwmtillery, had a "heart of gold" and would be missed by the whole community, her husband said.

Mrs Morris died on Monday night in Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, after losing her fight to a liver complaint which was diagnosed nine months ago.

A businesswoman and community volunteer, she raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes over the years.

Malcolm Morris, 59, said his late wife was "one of the best".

Speaking from his home in Cwmtillery, he told the Argus: "I'm totally lost. I feel like I've lost my right arm.

"The last week has been a rollercoaster. It's been good news and bad news, I didn't know where I was.

"Cheryl will be missed by so many people. If anybody wanted to raise money for charity or the community, she was out there, asking businesses and councillors to make a donation."

Mrs Morris joined Blaenau Gwent council in 2004, initially as a Liberal Democrat before becoming an Independent a year later.

She was already a well-known face in the area as the proprietor of This 'n' That, the ladies' clothing store she opened in Abertillery 35 years ago.

A committed Christian, Mrs Morris was the secretary of St John's Church in Six Bells.

Des Hillman, leader of the opposition at Blaenau Gwent council, said: "Cheryl was a lovely lady and cherished member of my group."

Council leader Hedley McCarthy said: "We are all saddened by this loss of a colleague and our thoughts go out to Cllr Morris's husband Malcolm and her family at this time."

She leaves behind a son Darren, 36, and granddaughter Tayla, 13.