TRIBUTES have been paid to a Blaenau Ffestiniog pensioner who died in a fire in a flat.

Firefighters were called to a blaze on Cwm Bowydd Road last Thursday at around 9.30pm, but were unab­le to save 75-year-old David Ellis­, the only occupant of the flat.

Mr Ellis, a father-of-two, was known as Dafydd Hall to locals as he was born in Blaenau Ffestiniog’s famous market hall.

Cllr Rory Francis fondly remembers campaigning with Dafydd to save the market building in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

“I was very sad to hear the news about Dafydd’s passing,” Cllr Francis told the Cambrian News.

“Dafydd was a good guy and I was very grateful to him for his support in trying to get the hall back into use in 2001.

“He obviously had a very strong link with the hall and was keen to see it transformed into something for the community.

“He contacted me all those years ago and we still used to see each other occasionally, usually when we bumped in to each other in the local Co-op.

“Dafydd was a passionate man and he’ll be sadly missed.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police have conducted a joint investigation.

A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The investigation has concluded and the fire was started accidentally and probably by smoking materials.”

An inquest into Mr Ellis’ death has been opened and adjourned.