BARRY mayor, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson is keen to hear from descendants of Cllr Beatrice Lewis, the first woman elected as a councillor in the town.

She was born in Ely in 1877, and married William Jenkin Lewis, a coal trimmer.

They moved to Barry and lived in George Street and she stood for the Labour Party in the election of 1919, the first year that women had the legal right to stand for election or to vote.

She represented the Castleland ward until her death, aged 52, in 1929.

She served on public health, housing and child welfare committees and was instrumental in improving maternity provisions for women in Barry.

Cllr Wilkinson said: “Beatrice Lewis is buried in an unmarked grave, and we would like permission from any of her living descendants to place a plaque in her honour.

“She was an ordinary woman who achieved a lot and we think it is about time that she was recognised.

“We know that she had children named Gladys, Lillian, William Joseph, Arthur and Beatrice, all born in Barry between 1902 and 1915.

“We would love to hear from any of her grandchildren, great grandchildren or other descendants, and to invite them to join us in celebrating the life of this extraordinary woman.”

Anyone with information, can email info@barrytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01446 7386636.