TRIBUTES have been paid to Newtown Amateur Boxing Club founder Les Bridge following his passing last month.

Mr Bridge was a well respected Newtonian who passed away last month aged 92 following a short illness.

Mr Bridge was born in Blaenau Ffestiniog and moved to Newtown as a teenager when his parents took on the stewardship of the Royal Bridge Legion after World War Two.

Mr Bridge was a a former haulage contractor, fireman and coach driver but it was his prowess as a sportsmen which he came to be be most remembered.

As a talented youth boxer he later co-founded Newtown Amateur Boxing Club with his friend Ernie Ray and helped coach a generation of young pugilists from the area,

Mr Bridge was also a dedicated fundraiser and raised cash for a hist of local charities by completing seven Cross Wales Walks and also competing in the London Marathon.

Due to restrictions a small family service will be held on Friday, October 16 and the hearse will pause briefly at 2.15 pm outside the Monty Club, the former legion, in Broad Street on route to the town cemetery.