TRIBUTES have been paid to an "irreplaceable" Councillor and Sports fanatic described as "Mr Corwen" by those who knew him best.

A huge outpouring of condolences, grief and fond memories followed after Huw 'Chick' Jones, 62, died over the weekend.

A well-known figure in his hometown of Corwen and beyond, Mr Jones was known for being a devoted football fan and also loved cricket - having previously been a well-respected umpire.

At Corwen Football Club, he had held many a position, most recently President, and was also an influential figure within the North Wales Women’s Football League.

Denbighshire Free Press:

PICTURE: Mr Jones was a true football fanatic.

A keen Wrexham and Liverpool fan, Mr Jones' love for the beautiful game also saw him travel home and away to watch the Welsh international football team play.

He had a brush with death in 2016 when, just as he was due to go and watch Wales play Belgium in the quarter finals of Euro 2016, he had become very ill.

It was later discovered that he had been treated for sepsis. It took Mr Jones four months before he could return to work representing his beloved Corwen ward as a Plaid Cymru on Denbighshire Council.

Paying tribute to him, Councillor Mabon ap Gwynfor said: "I'm extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Huw Chick.

"Huw was an excellent Councillor for Corwen, and did so much for the area. Huw taught me, more than anybody else, of the need to reach out, build coalitions, and compromise when needed to get things done.

"He was a true gentleman, always willing to help, and he knew his people and the needs of his community. He was also a proud Welshman and a true patriot. His love for Wales was expressed in his commitment to his community.

"My thoughts are with his family, who have been so loving and faithful, at this terribly sad time. Wales and Edeirnion has lost a dear son, and the Red Wall has lost one of its corner-stones."

Mr Jones was also very supportive of several community projects in Corwen.

Lindsay Watkins from Corwen Museum testified to this saying: "I have known Huw for many years and worked with him at the Corwen War Memorial Park, Canolfan Ni and in Corwen Museum. He was totally dedicated to the Corwen area and spent all his hours supporting the community and helping its individuals. He was a positive force for good and is irreplaceable."

Ruthin county councillor Cllr Huw Hilditch Roberts described Mr Jones as "a colossal character for Corwen".

"He was a gentleman, a kind-hearted and an all-round good guy," he added.

"He worked tirelessly for his community and he was fair with all. Corwen has lost a son and a truly inspirational man. Cysga'n dawel Huw Chick."

Denbighshire Free Press:

PICTURE: Press Association - shows Harry Wilson in action for Wales.

Even Wales international and Bournemouth FC winger Harry Wilson (above), who grew up in Corwen, had his say taking to Twitter to write: "Sad to hear the passing of Huw ‘chick’ Jones today, huge loss for Corwen fc and the town as a whole. True gentleman who followed me from the start of my journey! RIP chick."

Over the years, Mr Jones has been described as "Mr Corwen" for the work he carried out there and the love he showed his community.

Following his death, hundreds of messages and pictures have been posted on social media in his memory.