TRIBUTES have been paid to former Cambrian News reporter and Aberystwyth cricket club stalwart, Norman Williams, following his passing.

Aberystwyth Cricket Club president Anthony Evans paid tribute to Williams' contribution to the club as a player, captain and committee member, and to the wider community.

He said: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I report to you the untimely death of our ex-player, captain and friend, Norman Williams.

"What makes it most sad is that Norman was here in Aber just two weeks ago.

"Norman and his wife, Carol, had moved back to their roots in Wrexham from Llanilar two years ago.

"When they came to live in Llanilar in the early 1980s, Norman quickly established himself in the sporting life of the village.

"He had previously been captain of Wrexham Cricket Club, and he quickly established himself as a key member of the Llanilar side.

"Norman was a hard-hitting batsman who often swung games with quick runs, and he went on to become club captain in 1987 and again in 1993-94.

"Perhaps his finest hour came when he top-scored against Glamorgan in 1986 with a swashbuckling 62 not out, an innings that included 12 boundaries.

"Norman served on the club's committee and became Chair of the Improvements Committee.

"He stepped down from the first team when a number of senior players created a second XI, when Peter Evans and James Breese were 14 years old.

"Always personable and witty, Norman will be sadly missed by family, friends, and everyone at Clwb Criced Aberystwyth."

As well as being a respected cricketer, Williams was a familiar face in local journalism during his many years with the Cambrian News.

Former Cambrian News editor Bev Thomas posted: "Norman was a leading member of the Cambrian News reporting team for many years and it was a pleasure to work with him.

"He was a team player in work as well as in sport.

"He was a talented writer who could dig out the story and write it with empathy and feeling, always fighting for the communities he served.

"He also took new reporters under his wing, guiding and nurturing them.

"He had a wicked sense of humour and never missed a trick.

"He was the life and soul of the party at a recent Cambrian News reunion - we had a great catch-up."But of the greatest importance to him were his wife Carol, his daughters and family.

"Norm's legacy will live on but he will be much missed. Our thoughts are with his lovely family at this sad time."

Williams was also remembered fondly by former colleagues, including ex-Cambrian News reporter Caleb Spencer.

He said: "Norm helped me settle in when I started work as a trainee reporter at the Cambrian News. I was quite nervous but he had a way of making you feel at ease in his company and had a brilliant sense of humour.

"I admired the way he could get on with anyone, whatever walk of life. Walking through Aber with him made you realise how popular he was!

"After he retired he would still meet his former colleagues every Friday lunchtime for a pint and a few frames of pool, and the drinks would always be on him. He was so generous and kind."