TRIBUTES have been paid to a former mayor of Torfaen who died on the weekend.

Robert Jones, commonly known as Bob, served as deputy mayor and later as mayor from 2009 to 2010.

Mr Jones served as a councillor for the Upper Cwmbran ward from May 2004 to 2012 and had also been the current chairman of Cwmbran Community Council.

The former mayor was in his 80s and died on Sunday, April 22.

Councillor Anthony Hunt, who is the leader of Torfaen Council, expressed his condolences, saying: “We are all deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing.

“He was a good friend to many of us and a dedicated councillor who served his community with great passion.

“The importance to Bob of the ethos of serving the public in everything he did always shone through.”

He added: “On behalf of the council, I wish to pass our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.”

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP for Torfaen also paid tribute, describing Mr Jones as an “outstanding servant of local people”.

He said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Cllr Bob Jones.

“Bob was the current chairman of Cwmbran Community Council and a former mayor of Torfaen.

“He was an outstanding servant of local people. From his period in the Royal Marines to his time as a councillor, his life was one of public service. On a personal level, he was a loyal friend to me over many years. I will miss him greatly.”

And Cwmbran Community Council councillor Peter Cathcart added: “I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Bob’s passing. He has been a councillor for many years and a great supporter of organisations such as the Sea Cadets, in view of his military background. He was a great supporter of young people in particular.

“He will be sadly missed in the community. My sympathies go to Margaret and the family.”

Details of Mr Jones’ funeral will be announced soon.