TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘lovely’ and 'inspirational’ Denbigh man who has died.

Those were just two of the several kind words posted to social media in memory of Clifford Roberts, who died aged 70 on July 19 at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Mr Roberts was a well-known figure in Denbigh and described by many as a 'true gentleman'.

Although he had retired, he had previously been a catering manager/chef at Denbigh Golf Club for several years and at the likes of the Masonic Lodge too.

He had also given several young local footballers the chance to play their first matches via the Denbigh Youth Centre and had been a keen golfer and footballer in his own sporting days.

More than 300 comments paying tribute to Mr Roberts were posted underneath this photo above posted by Tony Davies on the 'Photographic Memories of Denbigh' group.

Mr Roberts' son Jon Paul said: “On behalf of the Roberts family I would like to thank everyone that have sent their condolences and lovely messages following the passing of my dad Cliff."

Mr Roberts’ funeral was held last Friday, with Denbigh Golf Club members lining up along Henllan Road outside the club to greet the family and the hears as its passed on the way to the crematorium.

An inquest has been opened into his death.

At a brief hearing in Ruthin John Gittins, coroner for North Wales East and Central, said he had been informed by the hospital that Mr Roberts had previously been diagnosed with mesothelioma which could be linked to his occupational history and exposure to asbestos.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.