TRIBUTES have been paid to a "much-loved" great-grandfather and 50 year member of a Rhyl performance troupe.

Geoffrey Thomas Etchells, known as Geoff to his friends and family in Rhyl, died on Saturday, April 6at Glan Clwyd Hospital, aged 87.

Husband to Irene, father to Lynn and Julie, Geoff worked in the town as shopkeeper and milkman, joining the Rhyl & District Musical Theatre Company (RDMTC) in 1969 for their production of The Gondoliers.

During his time with Rhyl & District Musical Theatre Company he could not only be found ‘treading the boards’ and directing but he was also gifted with a paintbrush and painted many a backcloth scene.

He was honoured with a Life Membership and was also a long standing Committee Member, he was also awarded a NODA Merit Medal in 1984 in recognition of his outstanding service.

A spokesperson for RDMTC said: " We were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Geoff Etchells, a much-loved member of the Company.

"He will be remembered fondly by many as a talented actor, director and above all a fun-loving friend.

"He played numerous memorable roles over the years including Tevye, Professor

"Higgins and the title character in Finian’s Rainbow. Everyone who worked with him has a funny story to tell and he will be remembered with a smile."

Geoff’s funeral was well attended and held at Denbighshire Crematorium at on Thursday, April 18, with donations going towards Cancer Research.