TRIBUTES have been paid to a former leader of South Wales area of the National Union of Mineworkers who has died at the age of 88.

George Rees was secretary of South Wales NUM from 1976 to 1997.

South Wales was historically one of the most militant and disciplined areas of the union dating back to the general strike of 1926.

Mr Rees’s funeral took place on Wednesday.

Current South Wales NUM secretary Wayne Thomas said: “George was from that era of miners’ leaders like Mick McGahey, Arthur Scargill — intellectual, politically astute, great speakers who could hold an audience.

“I came in 1997 when we were still dealing with private mine owners. George was an adviser and remained a trustee of the union until he died. He was forward-thinking, far-sighted. 

“He was also heavily involved with the South Wales miners’ convalescent home in Bournemouth.”

Mr Rees leaves a widow, Diane, a son, daughter and grandchildren.