Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Lindsay Whittle has paid tribute to 94-year-old Frank Thomas, who died in a fire at his home in Caerphilly this week.
Mr Whittle, who is also a councillor for the Penyrheol ward, said: “Frank returned to live in Wales around 20 years ago and he played an active role in the Penyrheol ward branch of Plaid Cymru.
“He still turned up to meetings until a few months ago and was well known and liked in the area. His death in these circumstances is tragic.”
Mr Whittle also paid tribute to the efforts of neighbours who came to the aid of Mr Thomas, a widower, of Heol y Pia, Glenfields.
He said: “They were very brave and deserve the highest praise for their efforts to save Frank.”
A Gwent Police spokesperson said that the fire was not suspicious and that the coroner has been informed.