Tributes have been paid to a hard working former Preseli Pembrokeshire Labour party candidate who died at the weekend.

Mari Rees was due to stand in next month's Assembly election on the regional list for Mid and West Wales, but recently stood down on health grounds.

She also stood as a parliamentary candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire in last year’s general election.

Marc Tierney, who worked with Mari since her selection, described her as a ‘kind hearted and driven individual’.

Mari was a former BBC Wales and Western Mail journalist, and also produced programmes for ITV Wales including a film about the Last Invasion of Fishguard.

After a period working in the voluntary sector, Mari decided to go into politics.

Gaynor Davies acted as Mari's agent during last year's election campaign. She said: "Mari had a brilliant intellect and an extraordinary compassion. "She proved to be an advocate for the working people and wanted to help in eradicating poverty and to fight for social justice. "Mari was always ready to listen to people with problems and look for a solution. She was warm, good natured and friendly and had a bright optimistic outlook on life. She was a beautiful woman in looks and personality."

She added: "Mari will be sadly missed by all her friends and the many people she contacted. We mourn her loss."