TRIBUTES have been paid to a Nevill Hall Hospital worker and her daughter died who died from their injuries obtained in a road traffic accident on the Gilwern and Clydach road last Thursday.

The collision occurred on the eastbound carriageway of the A465 at about 11am when the blue Peugeot being driven by Ms Curtis and in which her six-year-old Ffion Elizabeth Merrifield was a passenger, was in collision with a silver Mercedes carrying two women.

All involved in the incident were initially taken to Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny where the Ffion, a pupil of Coed-y-Garn Primary School in Nantyglo was pronounced dead.

Her mother was transferred to the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff but later died from her injuries.

The 69-year-old woman driver of the Mercedes from the Gilwern area, and another woman passenger sustained minor injuries and were detained in hospital.

The family have paid tribute to the mother and daughter.

In a statement issued through Gwent Police, they said: "Stephanie was the loving partner of Darren and the mother of his two children, of whom Ffion was the eldest.

"Stephanie was the loving eldest daughter of Josie and Jeff, with Ffion being the eldest grandchild.

"Stephanie was a much loved, hard working mother, devoted to her children and both Stephanie and Ffion will be dreadfully missed by their family and friends.

"Ffion was adventurous and energetic, she absolutely loved animals. She was friendly, outgoing, bubbly and absolutely loved singing.

"They leave a devoted partner and father and also a loving daughter and sister. They will leave a big hole, not just in the family but in the local community."

The double tragedy has left the community of Nantyglo reeling, with chairman of governors at Ffion's school, Rev'd Roy Watson saying that the community would rally around the family.

Gwent Police are investigating the accident and have appealed for anyone who saw it to contact them on 01633 642404.