A NEWPORT man whose tireless work for others earned him the title of Argus charity champion has died at the age of 35.

Neil Davies lived in Bettws with his wife Tina, 31, and nine-year-old daughter Jodie.

He was well-known for his fundraising efforts for a variety of charities including Children In Need.

He was also involved in the Millbrook Community Centre which he helped to run with his parents Jean and Ian Davies.

His efforts in raising more than £100,000 over 20 years led to him receiving the Argus accolade in 2005.

Tributes were paid to him by Newport West MP Paul Flynn and his family.

Mr Flynn said: "It is a cruel blow for his family and for the many charities he supported for a very long time."

He said he owed Mr Davies his personal gratitude for the help he gave them as past elections.

His mother, Jean Davies, 61, described him as "my world".

Tina Davies, who was with her husband for 11 years and married in 2000, said: "He never thought of himself, he always thought of other people, he was a great father."

A keen football fan, Mr Davies was described as a "people person" and his family fondly remember him constantly being on the phone, organising events and supporting good causes.

His father, Ian Davies, 60, described him as a "remarkable man".

He added: "He was always there to help everyone. I'd give a million pounds to have him ring me now."

Mr Davies, who used to work in Tesco's on Cardiff Road, was diagnosed last year with the rare metabolic disorder andrenomyeloneuropathy but hoped to continue with his work in the community.

He died in the Royal Gwent Hospital, where he was a patient, but the cause is not yet known.