A BUILDERS, timber and plumbers merchant, with a depot in Denbighshire, has paid tribute to its owner who died recently.

Martin Stewart died at Glan Clwyd Hospital on the morning of September 6.

He had purchased the Richard Williams firm, which has a base on Park Road in Ruthin, in 1971 and staff say he 'spent many years making it into the company customers know today'.

Richard Williams' Nigel and Rob took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Stewart, saying: "It is with utmost sadness that we have to announce the Martin Stewart.

We are sorry that many of you won’t be able to show your respects in the usual manner, as a result of the restrictions during these uncertain times. Due to the limited number of mourners allowed at the funeral service; loyal staff, customers, friends and colleagues can bid Martin a farewell as the funeral cortege passes Richard Williams Builders Merchants, Conwy Road, Llandudno Junction at 10am on Friday (September 18) before it proceeds to a private family funeral service.

"We will therefore be closing Richard Williams on that day as a mark of respect. The yards will be open to allow for car parking during the farewell."

Donations made in memory of Mr Stewart will be split between The Wales Air Ambulance and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity (Cheques made payable to one or other) and may be sent c/o A C Lambert & Son, 69 Conwy Road, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9LT, Tel: 01492 581072.

The statement from Nigel and Rob added: "As a family, we’d like to thank you for all your kind words and messages of support, it means a lot to us."