One of Wales' youngest assembly members has died at the age of 34.

Steffan Lewis, the Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East, was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in late 2017.

Mr Lewis, who was brought up in Crosskeys and Tredegar, leaves his wife Shona and his son, Celyn.

"He was our rock, he was our anchor and most certainly, our hero. To lose Steff is the greatest possible blow to our family. Steff inspired us every day," his family said.

"Steff fought this disease with the same courage and determination that he applied to his politics, and even when he was in great pain and discomfort, he continued to serve the people he so dearly loved to represent.

"We know that there are people throughout Wales who share our sense of loss.

Elected as an AM for South Wales East in 2016, Mr Lewis had served as the party's spokesman on Brexit.

His family said they will ensure "his legacy will live on forever - in our community, in our hearts and above all through his son".

"Wales will not forget his contribution and his determination to make a difference to people's lives," they added.

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru leader, said Mr Lewis was beloved by his friends in Plaid Cymru.

"We are in a state of shock and grief at losing our very brightest star," he said.

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "I would like to express my own deep and personal sorrow at the loss of Steffan Lewis AM, one of the most decent and able politicians of his generation."

Elin Jones, the assembly's presiding officer, said: "Such a sad loss of one of our youngest and our best.

"Steffan Lewis made such an impact in the Senedd - with a caring heart, a charming smile and an intellect the size of Wales. When Steffan spoke, we all listened. We'll still listen Steffan."