LADY Euphan Hanbury-Tenison has died following a long illness, aged 81. She was the wife of Sir Richard Hanbury-Tenison who served as Lord Lieutenant of Gwent between 1979 and 2001 and lived on the family's estate at Clytha Park.

Born Euphan Mary Wardlaw-Ramsay in July 1931, Lady Hanbury-Tenison was a big influence on the Monmouthshire community in her own right and as chairman of the Usk Rural Life Museum helped secure the museum's current premises in Usk.

Rita Edwards, the Museum's secretary said,"Our past chairman of Usk Rural Life Museum, Lady Hanbury-Tenison was an enthusiastic campaigner and fundraiser for over 30 years, founding the Friends of the Museum and generously hosting many events at her home at Clytha Park.

"Ever the practical 'hands-on' supporter, Euphan helped make the museum what it is today."

Lady Hanbury-Tenison was also a founder member of the Gwent National Trust Association which came into being in 1980.

John Latham the association's current chairman said, " Lady Hanbury Tenison, brought her own brand of hard work, commitment and fun to a voluntary group which has become a vibrant organisation of over 400 members - an enduring legacy to a very special woman."

She is survived by her husband Richard and their five children Jack, William, Capel, Sarah and Laura.