IT was a grey day in Blaenau Gwent yesterday as constituents mourned their popular and respected MP, Peter Law, who died yesterday, aged 58.

Two bouquets of roses were left outside his constituency office in Ebbw Vale. A notice there reads: "For everything I have and for everything I am, I have to thank the people of Blaenau Gwent - Peter Law."

Jeanette Webb, from Marshalls, Ebbw Vale, said: "It is very sad, Peter was a wonderful man, we are very sorry to lose him. We will miss him greatly and miss him coming in the shop, having a laugh and a joke."

Ian Penaluna, 37, said the town will now feel empty. The Ebbw Vale postman said: "He always sent us thank- you cards and said 'merry Christmas' every year. He was such a lovely bloke, always shook our hands, a real nice man who always had time for the people."

Ron Francis, 77, from Ebbw Vale said: "He was for the people of Blaenau Gwent. If Blair thinks he will shove another woman candidate he is wrong. I will not vote Labour again, it is Peter's legacy."

Chris Lewis, 38, of Brynmawr Scene, and the town's radio station, BRFM, said: "Peter's death is a real shock. He was a great public and community figure and we send our wishes to his family."

Gail Mayberry, 37, of Queen Street, Nantyglo, said: "He was a fabulous man with a heart of gold who was kind and would help anyone he could. "We will miss him, his death is very sad. My mum-in-law worked for him and thought the world of him."

Jennifer Roberts, 64, of Curzon Street, Brynmawr, said: "I have known Peter all my life. He only had a short time but he did so much for the people of Blaenau Gwent. He was a friend to us all."