WARM tributes have been paid to avid sportsman and music fan Andy Browning who died last week. 

Andy, 63, lived in Rhyl all of his life before recently moving to Prestatyn. He was an avid sportsman – being a member of Rhyl Tennis Club and Rhyl FC.

Life long friend, Chris Turner, who is a professional tennis coach and former Welsh international player, said: “I’ve known Andy since I was about four or five years old through school – when I played tennis he was the guy we all looked up to and admired.

“He always encouraged us to practice and nurtured us – he was an unbelievably talent man. He had never had a tennis lesson in his life but played for Wales – he was naturally talented at it. 

“I wouldn’t have achieved what I have in tennis without Andy – he gave me a lot of guidance and took the time to help all of us junior in the tennis club.

“As we got older he influenced my music tastes too – I’m really sorry that I won’t see him again.”

Friend Duncan Neild-Siddal said: “I’ve known Andy all my life – we went ot the same school and we were on the same football teams together, he was a great footballer.

“Andy wasn’t just a gentleman – he was a gentle man. He was very unassuming and always immaculately dressed – he would always wear his Macintosh and carry his brolly. When his mother passed away he never really got over it – he missed her a lot.

“He was a very private person and loved his northern soul music.”

Andy was found on Ffrith beach on the morning of Friday, May 12. His death is not being treated as suspicious.