THE family of a Falklands War veteran who died at the age of 40 have paid tribute to a popular and fun-loving man.

David Welch from Earl Street, Abertillery, was found dead in his bathroom on October 15.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and an inquest into the incident will be held sometime next year.

Mr Welch, who was one of four brothers, leaves behind three children.

Mr Welch, who had worked as a press operator at the Technicolour factory in Cwmbran for nearly 20 years, served as a Royal Marine during the Falklands War while still a teenager.

He was among the first wave of troops, and saw action in South Georgia and Thule.

His brother, Nigel, said: "All the family are gutted. We didn't expect this at all but I'm starting to come to terms with it.

"We will remember him for being such a good laugh. He was always playing practical jokes and was a bit of a boy. In work he used to get into a bit of trouble for playing practical jokes, and his bosses were always threatening to sack him if he carried on doing it, but they never did.

"He was very popular and I know they stopped the production line in work so everyone could go to the funeral."

He added: "When he came back from the Falklands he said he didn't know what all the fuss was about. He didn't think it was that bad out there at all, but I guess he was lucky and was playing what happened down a bit."

Mr Welch's funeral service took place at Blaenau Gwent Baptist Church last Wednesday.