PEOPLE flocked to pay their last respects to the former leader of Gwent county council, Graham Powell.

His funeral took place in St Mary's Church, Caldicot prior to a cremation at the Gwent Crematorium, on Thursday, April 12.

The service was conducted by Rev Dennis Richards, and a number of current Monmouthshire councillors, including the Chairman Cllr Brian Hood MBE, and former Gwent County Councillors attended.

Also in attendance were local MP Jessica Morden, and Caldicot Town councillors, as were representatives of organisations that Mr Powell was associated with, including Sudbrook Cricket Club.

At Mr Powell's request, his ashes are due to be scattered on the cricket square at Sudbrook Cricket Club.

There were also a number of his ex-railway colleagues and personal friends.

A eulogy was read by former Director of Education for Gwent, Mr David Griffiths.

Following the funeral service everyone congregated at the Sudbrook Cricket Club.

Mr Powell, 86, died on Tuesday March 27, at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, after being diagnosed with bladder cancer six months ago.

He worked as a railway guard before going into local politics and his career spanned around 58 years.

Mr Powell was the leader of Gwent county council between 1981 and 1991 and then went on to lead Monmouthshire council between 1991 and 1994.

A member of the Labour party, he represented Caldicot and also served as council chairman, chairman of education, chairman of planning and also stood for election as an MP in Exeter. He retired from local politics in 2004.

Mr Powell leaves behind his wife Sybil, 75.