TWO Welsh-born stars of stage and screen with connections to the Abergavenny area have died.

Victor Spinetti who was a patron of Gwent Theatre has died at the age of 82 on Monday and Flying Picket singer and actor Brian Hibbard died aged 65 at the weekend.

Victor was born into an Italian-Welsh family, who lived above the chip shop the family owned in Cwm, Ebbw Vale. He later attended Monmouth School with initial ambitions to become a teacher. However after turning to acting he studied at the College of Music and Drama, Cardiff.

Gary Meredith the artistic director of Gwent Theatre recalls this era and said,"I knew Victor's younger brother Paul and we knew of Victor's achievements with Joan Littlewood, a director who is often dubbed as 'The Mother of Modern Theatre'.

"It was Victor's performance in Oh, What a Lovely War! that prompted the Beatles persuading him to appear in A Hard Day's Night in1964.

"Victor told us that he got the part in the Beatles film because George Harrison had suggested to the directors the he had to be in the film because George's mum would only go to see them if he was in it.

"I recall that Victor was always full of stories and in 1976 when Gwent Theatre was formed he volunteered to become a member of the board of trustees.

"He has continued to support us over the decades and even helped save Gwent Theatre from closure after the Arts Council for Wales had decided not to fund the organisation in 2000.

"I recall vividly that his one-man show, A Very Private Diary was performed at the Borough Theatre as a fundraiser for the benefit of Gwent Theatre and on another occasion he teamed up with politician Neil Kinnock and singer Labi Siffre to stage another fund raising show.

"He was a great man, a clever man who knew his trade inside and out and he is definitely a character who will be missed nationally and locally."

Victor had been diagnosed with cancer a year ago and died in Monmouth Hospital on Monday morning. His sister Gianna still lives in Gilwern.

Tributes were also being paid to Welsh actor and singer Brian Hibbard following his death at the weekend after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Mr Hibbard, from Ebbw Vale was the founder and lead singer of the Flying Pickets who had a number one hit with Only You in 1983.

He later found fame in a number of films and soap operas including S4C's Pobol y Cwm and as mechanic Doug Murray in Coronation Street in 1992.

As a jobbing actor he also made appearances in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Holby City, The Bill and Casualty.

During his time on the Street, Brian could often be spotted travelling on the train between Abergavenny and Manchester.

Well known for his political campaigning, Mr Hibbard was also known for his staunch support for local causes and charities and he and his wife Caroline were frequent visitors, to the annual garden party at Llangattock Park.