VALE of Glamorgan politicians have paid tribute to Llantwit Major councillor John Readman, who died suddenly last week.

Cllr Readman, who died last Tuesday aged 78, was a member of the Conservative Council initially before founding the Llantwit Major First Independents.

He served on both the town council and Vale Council.

He also worked with the town's Citizens Advice Bureau and invaluably contributed to the Royal British Legion.

Leader of the Vale Council, Cllr Margaret Alexander, said: "It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of Cllr Readman.

"Since becoming a member of the council, he has worked tirelessly for his constituents in Llantwit Major and will, I am sure, be missed by them, as well as by colleagues on the Vale.

"I found him a man of great integrity and immense generosity, with a sly, ironic wit - and never more happy than when he was combating some injustice."

Cllr Chris Franks, leader of Plaid on the Vale Council, said: "The Vale has lost a very decent man with John's departure. He had the courage of his convictions.

"When he felt that his former Tory colleagues had lost their way he made the difficult decision to help form the Independent Group. He was always determined to think and act as his conscience dictated.

"We have lost a very good councillor."

Vale Conservative leader Cllr Jeff James said: "The sudden death of John came as a great shock to all his friends, but particularly his family.

"All Conservative council members pass on their deepest condolences to his family."