Campaigner for pension rights dies at age of 89

Bill Goodwin, an outspoken campaigner for pensioners' rights, has died. Mr Goodwin, of Newport, died on Saturday, aged 89, after six weeks at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

He spent much of his life campaigning on behalf of pensioners and even met the then Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown to discuss the issue.

He also had a spell as a Newport town councillor in the 1990s.

Today his family and friends paid tribute to his tireless work.

Friend Terry Gilder said: "Bill Goodwin was a stalwart in promoting pensioners' rights in the 1980s and he continued with that fight until about five years ago.

"His main campaign was restoring the link between pensions and earnings."

Former Newport mayor and neighbour Eva Allan said: "A lot of people will miss him because he really fought the corner for the elderly and the disabled.

"He was their voice around Newport. He was always a gentleman and always had time for a chat."

Born in Bradeley, father-of-two Mr Goodwin was a former chairman of the Newport Pensioners' Action Association.

The group was formed in 1987 and had 40 members at its peak before disbanding in 2004.

Mr Goodwin also served as vice-chairman of the British Pensioners and Trade Union Association and was a contributor to the national British Pensioner magazine.

Mr Goodwin also fought to save the Newport Cottage Hospital from closure.

Wife of 52 years Nancy Goodwin said: "He would do anything for anyone. He was a very kind-hearted man."

She added:"He was a fantastic father and husband."

His funeral is at Telford Crematorium on December 15, at 1pm.