THE parents of a Newport doorman who died after he was struck by a car driven by a heroin addict have unveiled a plaque in his memory.

Gareth Evans, 34, died from head injuries three days after he was hit by a car as he crossed the dual carriageway on the Queensway in Newport in April.

The popular father of two, who was known as a "gentle giant", was a doorman at several pubs in the city centre, including the Carpen-ters in High Street.

A "celebration of Gareth Evans' life" took place at the Carpenters, with Mr Evans' parents, Alan and Janet, who unveiled the plaque.

Mr Evans said: "We are amazed how popular Gar-eth was.

"It has come as a bit of a shock to see so many people here."

Rae Lockyear, a schoolmate of Gareth's, made the trip up from Winchester to attend the tribute night.

"When I heard about this event it really was a no-brainer whether or not to make the journey," said Mr Lockyear.

"I've known Gareth since we were five, and although he was always a big lad he never pushed it about. He will be sorely missed."

Another school friend of Gareth's, Nick Macey, said: "We went on family holidays with Gareth and I have a lot of happy memories of him."

At an inquest into Mr Evans' death, Gwent coroner David Bowen branded the driver of the car, Ross Williams, "callous" after hearing how the 20-year-old left the scene of the accident and then set fire to the Vauxhall Cavalier at Barracks Wood.

At Newport crown court, the heroin user from St Woolos Place, Newport, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, failing to stop at an accident and failing to report an accident within 24 hours and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He was sentenced to three years' detention for drug offences and nine months for offences relating to the incident after which Mr Evans died.

Judge Michael Burr said Williams' actions were "disgraceful".