TRIBUTES have been paid to young man with strong Wrexham connections who was killed in a horrific car crash near Bala early on Monday morning.

William Hughes, 24, who lived near Abersoch but regularly spent time with his girlfriend in Wrexham, died when his silver Ford Focus was involved in a collision with a lorry on the A4212 between Bala and Trawsfynydd.

Emergency services were called just before 7.30am and Mr Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Hughes lived with his father John and stepmother Vivien at the Sun Inn at Llanengan, near Abersoch.

Yesterday, the family was too upset to speak about the tragedy, but police family liaison officer PC Rob Owen, speaking on their behalf, said Mr Hughes often spent time with his girlfriend Kate and her young son Liam in Wrexham

He added: “It was his intention to live in Wrexham full time when he got a job in that area.

“His family believe he had got a job in the Wrexham area, which he was due to start in about three weeks time.

“However, they have no other details about this.”

Mr Hughes was employed at the Abersoch Land and Sea boatyard.

Boss Trevor Bethell said: “William worked with us as an assistant boat manager for 18 months.

“He helped with the launching of the boats.

“He was an all-round great lad and his death is a great loss.

“As far as I know he went back to Wrexham quite a bit to see his girlfriend but wasn’t living there full time.”

Mr Hughes was a part-time fireman based at Abersoch.

He also played rugby for Pwllheli and was a keen golfer.

A spokesman for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our sympathies are with Mr Hughes’ family at this sad time.”