Llanidloes 'anchor and stalwart' and former town mayor Christina Edwardes has died.

An outpouring of tributes have followed since the news that she had passed away during the New Year.

Her death leaves an 'enormous gap' in a town to which she gave 'so much of her time' said the tributes from community representatives.

Cllr Edwardes, who was originally from the West Midlands, made her mark on the town as a dedicated secretary of the Arwystli Society and the Old Market Hall committee as well as her role representing the Hafren ward on Llanidloes Town Council.

A Llanidloes Town Council spokesperson said: “It was with great sadness the council learned of the death of Cllr Christina Edwardes in the New Year. Cllr Edwardes had given her apologies at recent meetings due to her ill health but her passing was a shock to all who knew her.

“Christina was secretary of both the Arwystli Committee and the Old Market Hall Committee and carried out her duties wholeheartedly. She was Mayor of Llanidloes from 2012 to 2013, accepting many invitations and attending a wide array of events as well as having her finger on the button of all that happened in Llanidloes. The council will greatly miss a well-informed, astute and knowledgeable lady.”

Marjorie Corbett, chair of Old Market Hall Committee, said: “She was an anchor and stalwart. As secretary and treasurer, she fought with Powys County Council when we needed repairs. She really held it.

“She was an incredibly generous contributor to the town. She gave so much of her time to the town and contributed enormously and often very quietly.”

County Councillor for Llanidloes, Gareth Morgan, said: “My wife and I are deeply saddened to hear the death of Christina Edwardes. She was a lady of considerable ability. She was totally dedicated to Llanidloes and the town council. All her contributions was appreciated by everybody. She will be greatly missed. She was a former mayor and carried out her duties impeccably. We were proud to serve with her.”