FRIENDS and family of a Gwent man who died on holiday in Majorca paid tribute to him at a funeral service yesterday.

In a traditional service at St Cadoc's Church, Caerleon, more than 100 people gathered to celebrate the life of Martyn Griffiths, 54, known to family as Max.

Mr Griffiths, of Farlays, Coed Eva, died on September 16, a week after he had a sudden heart attack on the last day of a dream holiday in Palma Nova, on the Spanish island of Majorca.

Two colleagues and friends of the family, Bill Simmonds and Matthew Tennant, read tributes to Mr Griffiths, who worked as manager of Coral in Maesglas, Newport, for more than 30 years.

They recalled a devoted husband and father, and a talented, well-liked manager who had "a fantastic rapport with customers".

Mr Griffiths was born in St Julians and met his wife of 34 years, Judith, in a small caf in Caerleon.

As well as loving his work, Martyn enjoyed playing skittles and was secretary of Coed Eva Football Club for more than ten years.

They remembered the forthright opinions and colourful turn of phrase of a man who would "do anything for anyone".

But they also described the shock felt not just by friends and family, but by the whole Maesglas community at Martyn's sudden death.

Mr Tennant said: "The deep sense of shock and loss was felt by both customers and people around the area.

"He had been down there for such a long time he was almost woven into the fabric of the community."

After the service a black and gold carriage drawn by two black horses with black plumes carried the coffin to Gwent crematorium.

Friends and family then went on to Greenmeadow Golf Club.

Donations in lieu of flowers were collected for the British Heart Foundation.