Tributes have been paid to a former landscape gardener for Torfaen County Borough Council who has died aged 79.

Paul William Skyrme, who was born in Pontypool in 1942 passed away at his home in the early hours of Thursday November 18, while being comforted by his family.

A spokesman for his family said: "There are no words that reflect how much Paul meant to us all as a family, and how dearly he’s loved and will be missed. He will forever be with us in our hearts, with the memories of him that we will always hold close and cherish.

"Paul was idolised by his close family for being the strong and loving man that he was. He doted on us and offered us light and guidance when we needed it most. He showed us what it is to dream and taught us how it feels to believe.

"His bravery of knowing he wasn’t going to get any better but still holding us all and yielding us from the pain is a true reflection of the selfless, kind-hearted man he was."

Paul leaves his devoted wife Barbara who has always been by his side through to his final moments. They married in March 1962 at St James Church in Pontypool.

He also leaves his daughter, Julie, and son-in-law Michael; his son, Darren, and daughter-in-law Lisa; and his four loving grandchildren and great-grandson.

Mr Skyrme worked at Panteg Steelworks before becoming a landscape gardener for the council. His hobbies were watching rugby and, many years ago, pigeon racing.

The spokesman said: "This is not a goodbye, it’s a ‘take care’ until we meet again. Paul wished to have a private pure cremation which his family has respected, and they thank all of Paul’s kind friends for their condolences at this heart-breaking time."