SCORES of mourners have visited a church in Risca to pay their respects to the four friends who died over the weekend.

A book of condolences was opened up at St Margaret's in Pontymister on Monday for anyone wishing to pay their respects to the fishermen killed in the car accident near St Brides.

The Venerable John Blackburn, vicar of Risca, said he has had to extend the opening hours of the church to cope with demand. "There are over 20 pages of comments which is a very good response after two days," said Mr Blackburn.

"We are open at 9am and technically we should close at 4pm but it was 5.45pm that we closed on Tuesday.

"Hopefully this outpouring of grief will support the families of the men. "The response is testament to how popular these young men were.

Many young people have come through the doors of the church to leave a message. I wouldn't be surprised if there are over 30 pages of messages at the end of the week the way things are going."

Meanwhile, more bouquets were laid at the scene of the accident on the coast road between St Brides and Duffryn.