ABOUT 250 mourners gathered yesterday to say goodbye to a rugby club stalwart described as being "at the heart of the community".

Les Gardner, who served Risca Rugby Club for almost 50 years, died aged 67 of a suspected heart attack on a coach home from the Wales v Scotland international in Cardiff nearly two weeks ago.

The funeral was held at St Mary's Church, Risca.Former Risca RFC chairman Clive James paid tribute to his friend and colleague.

He said those present, including WRU president Keith Rowlands, district representatives, club members from all over Gwent, and Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner and rugby manager Jim McCreedy, showed the respect in which Mr Gardner, a WRU referee, was held.

Mr Gardner, of Rosemont Avenue, Gelli Park, joined Risca RFC as a hooker and went on to become fixture secretary, chairman and secretary. He was a life member.

"His service to Risca Rugby Club was immeasurable," said Mr James. "He will be sadly missed by his family and greatly missed by the club." The vicar of Risca, the Venerable John Blackburn, said Mr Gardner was "a man who knew what it was to give and to love".

He said: "He loved this community so much that he gave his all. "Looking around this church, it's self-evident that he touched the hearts of many, young and old. He walked as a giant among men, with gifts given him by God."

Lifelong friend Ron Goodfellow recalled their childhood in Penywaun, spending days hunting rabbits and collecting eggs from bird nests. He said: "We would be considered today to be deprived, bored out of our brains with nothing to do: that's the furthest thing from the truth."

Mr Gardner leaves his widow Valmai, son Rhodri, daughter-in-law Rebecca and two-year-old grandson.