Friends and family said goodbye to Pontypool man Alec Howells, who died three days after being found with serious head and spinal injuries.

Around 100 mourners gathered yesterday to bid farewell to former scaffolder Mr Howells, 39, who was found by a neighbour outside a house in Pontypool, on January 28.

Mr Howells' coffin, decorated with flowers in the shape of a cross, was carried by horse-drawn hearse from his mother's house in Newman Road, Trevethin to St Cadoc's Church in Penygarn Road.

It entered the church to the sound of You Raise Me Up by Westlife. East 17's Stay Another Day and R Kelly's If I Could Turn Back The Hands of Time were also played during the service.

Mr Howells' sister Tina Bennett, 42, of Newman Road, Trevethin, read out a poem dedicated to her late brother's memory, which began: "God bless you my darling bro."

It went on: "You will stay in my heart forever. No one can hurt you now my love, so God bless you my darling bruv."

Canon Brian Pippen described the father of three as a "lively character with a sense of humour".

He added: "He was a bit of a wind-up guy, and those of you here today could have been the victim of a practical joke.

"Even in this time of sadness you should allow this humour to shine forth."

Mr Howells was later buried at Panteg cemetery.

Born and brought up in Trevethin, Mr Howells worked in numerous jobs including spells as an ice cream seller and as a catering manager at Butlins holiday camp in Barry.

He had attended his sister Anita's wedding reception at New Panteg Rugby Club hours before being found bleeding on January 28.

The keen biker died at the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, three days later. Two men were quizzed by police on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Mr Howells' death, but both were released pending further enquiries.

Mr Howells leaves two sons, aged five and 10, an 18 year-old-daughter, and a 16-year-old step-daughter.