THE FAMILY of a cyclist who died following a collision near Abergavenny on Sunday has described him as a kind and wonderful man.

Edwin Bond, 67, of Abergavenny, was involved in a collision with a green Landrover Defender on the Old Raglan Road just after 4pm and later died at Nevill Hall Hospital.

A tribute released by the family describes him as extremely well thought of by family and friends and all who knew him and “a kind, wonderful man who was hard-working and a high-skilled mechanical engineer”.

Mr Bond, known locally as Ted, is understood to have owned Bond Engineering on Old Raglan Road, specialising in ornamental and wrought ironwork.

Stephen Terry, owner and chef of The Hardwick restaurant where Mr Bond and his partner Peggy were regular customers, said the community is in shock.

"He had dinner with Peggy every Saturday night, always at the same table."

"His knowledge and humour enriched all our lives and we would always have a chat with him."

"He was like a father figure to me and a talented traditional craftsman who made my restaurant sign."

"I would often visit him in his workshop where he restored old cars as a hobby."

"He was an honest, hard-working man who was a straight talker and a pleasure to talk to."

"He lived life to the full and no-one ever had a bad word to say about him," he added.

This is second tragedy to have struck the community in recent years. Mr Terry's close friends Nicholas, 49 and Susan,52, Fermor were killed in a head-on collision just outside the Hardwick on April 20 2008.

It is not yet known if speed was a factor in the collision but Christian Brown, chairman of Llanover community council, said: "We have a major problem with road accidents on this road. It is one of the most dangerous in Wales."

Local councillor Brian Hood said: "We need to consider what measures to take, including speed limit restrictions."

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Gwent Police Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642404