TRIBUTES have been paid to community stalwart and former mayor of Usk Margot Etheridge who has died aged 96.

Margaret Etheridge, known as Margot, was well-known in the community, having served as mayor in her 80s and as a a town councillor for 10 years from 1990.

Her son, Richard Etheridge, said: “She cared about her community and the community cared very much about her.

“She was very well-known and had a wonderful sense of humour.

He added: “She loved her time as mayor and they loved having her because she was good at keeping order.”

Mrs Etheridge was a member of St Mary’s Church in Usk and was also known as a skilled player in the card game, bridge.

Her late husband, Viv, was chairman of the former Gwent County Council.

Friend Roger Gallatley said: “She was an astonishing woman.

“She could mix in any company whether it was with the royal family or with a local road sweeper. She had a large circle of friends and every single one of them spoke highly of her.”

He added: “There was very little that went on in Usk that she was not connected to in some way.”

Tony Kear, chairman of Usk in Bloom, said Mrs Etheridge was a “wonderful supporter” of the group.

He said: “Usk has lost a unique character and stalwart of Usk life.

“Her floral window box displays continued to impress each summer and 2017 was no different.”