Tributes are being paid to a veteran former councillor in Carmarthenshire, who served his community and the county for more than 30 years.

Elwyn Williams, a former chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council, died on Monday March 20 at the age of 84.

He chaired the authority in 2001/2, with his late wife Gwennie as his consort.

Mr Williams’ involvement in local government began when he joined Dinefwr Borough Council in 1974.

He served as the council’s deputy in its final year of 1995/6 before local government reorganisation.

He was then a member of the subsequent county authority until 2008.

The Labour member represented the Brynamman and Ystradowen wards with enthusiasm and passion, said Carmarthenshire County Council’s senior member and former leader, Cllr Kevin Madge.

“Elwyn really worked hard for his communities,” said Cllr Madge.

“I had the pleasure of going around the wards with him and seeing the tremendous work he had put in over the years.

“He has left a legacy throughout Brynamman and Ystradowen.

“Elwyn was passionate about the day club in Ystradowen and the mountain centre in Brynamman, and made a huge contribution to many, many projects throughout the area.

“It was a privilege to work with him, and he will be sorely missed.”

In a Facebook tribute, Ystradowen Community Centre said: “Elwyn guided us as a strong authoritive figure here at the centre for many years, his work ethic being second to none.

“His friendly demeanour, his listening ear, advice and guidance will be hugely missed by those who called him their BFG.

“Elwyn was a fantastic colleague but more than that, on a personal level, he was our beloved friend, agony aunt and part of our work family.

“With the ability to solve any problem, whether work-related or personal, Elwyn was always ready with his wit, advice, patience and understanding.

“A good listener, a good colleague, a good friend who will be sorely missed.

“Fond farewell Elwyn and thank you.”

Cllr Madge added that he regarded Mr Williams as one of the finest of the many hundreds of councillors he has served alongside.

“I would put him in the premier league of councillors,” he said. “He was a great friend and I learned so much from him.

“There are so few of his kind left, and my deepest sympathy goes out to his family.”

The funeral of Mr Williams will take place on Thursday March 30, with a service at Morriston Crematorium ay 3pm followed by refreshments at Ystradowen Community Centre at 4pm.