WELL-KNOWN Newport solicitor Robert Jones, of John W Davies and Co, has died after suffering a heart attack on Sunday.

He leaves his wife Nicola, 33, and their children Tim, three, and ten-month-old Lucy.

Mr Jones, 57, of Lowndes Close, Bassaleg, had practised law in Newport for almost 30 years.

A keen sportsman, he had played rugby for Newport High School Old Boys and tennis for Stow Park Tennis Club.

He died in the early hours of Sunday after a short illness.

His wife Nicola said: "He was a wonderful father who adored his children, and he was a wonderful man and husband.

"He was such a lovely guy. He was very good with them and they loved him.

"We'd been together nearly 12 years, and we would have been married for two years in August.

"He loved his rugby, he was a keen tennis player, and he always worked hard - too hard, perhaps, but he loved his holidays.

"We've had hundreds of cards arrive at the house already."

Argus rugby writer Robin Davey said: "He was a very close personal friend of mine and we'd been friends for over 40 years, from school.

"We've been going on rugby trips and holidays going back all that time. He was a very popular, well-known guy who was well-loved by everyone. He will be sorely missed."

Mr Jones's partner at John W Davies and Co, Bridge Street, Newport, Sandra Kear said: "I've been Robert's business partner for 28 years, and it was very funny coming in the office today without him here.

"But we were not only partners, we were the best of friends. Everybody knew him. He practised in the criminal courts for a long time but for the last few years he's been dealing with personal injury cases.

"There are lots of his clients and his colleagues ringing the office to express their condolences."

Funeral details are yet to be decided.