NEWPORT City Council leader Bob Bright has paid tribute to stalwart Labour councillor Ron Jones ahead of his funeral tomorrow.

Mr Jones died last Tuesday, less than 24 hours after he had been judging floats at Pill Carnival.

Newport council said his service will be held at St Michael's RC Church, Clarence Street, at 11.30am.

It will be followed by burial at St Woolos Cemetery.

Mr Jones, who had recently turned 78, represented the Pill ward for more than three decades.

The former chairman of Gwent County Council was governor of Pillgwenlly Primary School and St Michael's RC Primary School and was the current chairman of the council's planning committee.

He was also a carer's champion and older person's champion and was a member of Newport Housing Trust.

Cllr Bob Bright said: “The city, the council and the community will greatly miss a hard-working and, above all, caring man, with many heartfelt and genuine tributes paid to Councillor Ron Jones since the very sad news of his passing last week.

“I wanted to add my own personal reflection on Ron and our friendship and work which goes back to the early 1970s and the long list of roles he held over some five decades at Gwent County Council and here in Newport.

“Ron was a rare example, serving Pill for almost 50 years, during which time he built up not only a vast knowledge of the local community and Newport – its issues, problems and opportunities – but also a great passion and enthusiasm for the city which remained steadfast throughout.

“Ron spoke his mind and was a formidable speaker with insight, a quick wit and great empathy for the people he served.

“Ron will be a hard act to follow and I will miss him as a colleague, a dedicated community champion, and more importantly, as a friend.”