TRIBUTES have been paid to a Vale of Clwyd stalwart who has sadly died.

Former Clwb Rygbi Dinbych president and North Wales Hospital worker Dai Bryn Jones has died.

The father of acclaimed stage actor Sean Jones, he has been described as a "true gentleman and a fine servant to the sport of rugby union in Denbigh".

Leading the tributes, Mr Jones' son Sean said: "I guess the best thing to say about my dad is that he LOVED Denbigh.

"From working high up in the North Wales Hospital, he was passionate about the history and legacy of the building.

"He was a fiercely proud rugby supporter - and player in his day - and was as happy watching a local game as he was going to Cardiff.

"His first love, though, was music and he loved singing.

"He was always proud to put on his Denbigh Male Voice Choir tie.

"Even in poor health, he would find the energy to be there to sing with his friends.

"Mostly to us, he was just the perfect dad.

"Kind, loving and a constant source of strength and wisdom."

Dinbych president Tegid Phillips said: "Dei Bryn was a true rugby man who firmly believed in, and vehemently stood up for, the standards associated with the game of rugby union.

"His sense of humour and contribution to the world of rugby, particularly in the the Denbigh area, will be most sadly missed."

In a statement, Clwb Rygbi Dinbych said: "Dai Bryn was instrumental in getting the hospital authorities to back the fledgling North Wales Hospital Rugby Club back in 1972/73 and organised several large social events at the hospital in aid of the NWHRFC.

"Following the amalgamation of the hospital and town club in 1993, Dai Bryn was appointed joint president of the newly created Clwb Rygbi Dinbych.

"Dai was an exemplary volunteer at the club, selling match programmes and greeting supporters at the gate.

"Post-match, he could be found in the club kitchen serving up the culinary delights of the day with his fellow NWHRFC team mate Bob Neale.

"And if there was a post match sing song at the club, Dai could always be relied on to improve the standard of singing.

"A great character, true gentleman and a fine servant to the sport of rugby union in Denbigh and the surrounding area.

"The club would like to extend it's sincerest condolences to Nicola, Sean and their families.

"Cwsg yn dawel Dai."

Former Dinbych president and chairman Jeff Jenkins said: "Dai Bryn was always a kind, generous and enthusiastic member starting as joint-president of the amalgamated clubs.

"He undertook many duties, no matter how small with an unfailing sense of humour to support the success of the club."