TRIBUTES have been paid to a 35 year old Blaenavon man who died following a road traffic collision on the road between Llanover and Lanellen on Wednesday.

The family of doting father Gareth John Edwards said he would be 'dearly missed'. A statement issued by his parents Isobel and Terry Edwards, brother and sister Cerys and David and partner Amanda Matthews, said "Gareth was very much loved by all who knew him. He was such a happy chap, always smiling and joking. He doted on his eight-and-a-half-month-old daughter Rhiannon and loved nothing more than to hold her proudly in his arms."

The tribute continued that Mr Edwards enjoyed the company of his family and friends, "especially his chums in the motorcycle world".

Mr Edwards was riding his Honda motorbike when he was involved in a crash with a Nissan Note, a Volkswagen Caddy van and a Nissan Primastar van on the road between Llanover and Llanellen at 2.30pm on Wednesday. The other drivers were not injured in the incident.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said Mr Edwards had sustained chest injuries, and died that evening at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny.

Gwent Police is appealing for witnesses following the collision which occurred at approximately 2.30pm on the A4042 between Llanover and Llanellen.

Police are currently investigating the cause of the collision and ask that anyone who was in the area who may have witnessed it to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642404.