A HEARTBROKEN family has paid an emotional tribute to a much-loved father-of-one.

Noel Jones, 23, of Ivy Crescent, Mold, was found dead on Saturday evening in woodland near County Hall.

He had last been seen in Mold town centre at 11.30pm on Friday after he had been socialising in the town.

A 10-hour search by North East Wales Search and Rescue was launched after his family contacted the police after becoming concerned he had not returned home.

Yesterday his shocked family spoke of their devastation at his death.

His father Noel Joseph Jones said: “He suffered from depression, but we didn’t know how bad it was. He was a good-looking lad who wore his heart on his sleeve.

“He was polite and liked a night out. He was a joy to be around and was a lovely lad. We are a very close family and he was brought up in a very traditional way.”

The former Mold Alun pupil had worked for his father’s joinery firm and as a roofer.

He was a keen pool and darts player who had played for the Queens Head pub in Mold.

Mr Jones said: “Noel loved pool and darts and he was a really good player. He loved football and supported Everton. He had a lot of friends and was also a well-known karaoke singer.

“If there was karaoke he would be there. All he ever wanted to do was sing.”

Mum Annwen added: “I want people to remember him for the person he was. He was always having a laugh and a pleasure to be with. He had a big heart.”

He is also survived by daughter Sienna-Storm, two, brothers Rob, Danny and Matt, his sisters in law and nieces and nephews.

Brother Danny said: “He was a really pleasant and kind person. He was one of the best people in the world. Everyone loved him.”

Mr Jones had said his son wanted to follow a career in care work looking after others.

Scores of condolences have also been left on his Facebook page.

Beth Price wrote: “Goodbye and goodnight Noel. Such an amazing person who I will never forget. Heaven truly has its greatest angel.”

Kaylea Vanessa McManus wrote: “Your cheeky little grin will never be forgotten. Sleep tight babe, Heaven truly has an angel now.”

A tribute night of karaoke in his memory is being organised by his family.

North Wales Police have said they are not treating his death as suspicious.