TRIBUTES have been paid to a 29-year-old “loveable rogue” who tragically choked to death in his Newport home.

Matthew Booth, of Tone Square, Bettws, was described as a charmer who loved life and always had a smile on his face. His mother Maureen Booth, of Monnow Way, said: “He was a wonderful man; he loved life and was always happy.”

More than 480 people have joined a Facebook page in memory of “Boofy Boy”, posting messages of support to the family and memories of Mr Booth.

Former St Julian’s School pupil Mr Booth worked for Enersys battery manufacturers in Stephenson Street. He was pronounced dead in the early hours of September 12, after the contents of his stomach went into his lungs, his mother said.

A keen sportsman, Mr Booth enjoyed fishing and spent time with his nieces and nephews playing football and horse-riding. Cousin Katy Booth said: “He used to ride my horse, Taz, and used to think he was John Wayne. He stayed on the horse, that’s the main thing.“He used to cheer people up. He’d do something funny just for them.”

His funeral was yesterday [Thursday, September 25] at St John’s Parish Church, Maindee.