TRIBUTES have been paid to Tony Hughes, who was well known in Newport sporting circles and who died at the age of 66.

He had been actively involved with Newport High School Old Boys Rugby Club, Newport Golf Club and Malpas Nomads Tennis Club for many years as a player and an administrator.

He was a member of Newport HSOB for more than 30 years as a player, committeeman and organiser. He was a stalwart of the old Newport Extras team before that.

"He was probably one of the most popular people at the Old Boys, on and off the field," said former chairman Peter Griffiths.

"He was a fantastic captain. He got everyone playing for him and he worked his socks off as a committeeman. He made things happen. A game of buzz will never be the same again!"

Tony was also a big Welsh rugby supporter and a regular watcher of Newport and the Dragons.

He was house chairman of Newport Golf Club, organising functions like the summer ball, dinner dance, socials and overseeing the clubhouse, chef, stewardesses and being responsible for safety standards.

As secretary of the Halletts section, he organised teams, golf days and weekends away. He was also a member of the Veterans Society.

"Tony was a tremendous person, a lovely guy who treated everyone kindly. He was efficient in everything he did. His death is a tragic loss," said Newport Golf Club captain Ivor Thom.

Mr Hughes, employed by Hempels Paints Manufacturers for more than 40 years, mainly as a manager, leaves a widow, Lorna, two daughters and three grandsons.