TRIBUTES have been paid to a local football stalwart, believed to be Wrexham AFC's first-ever ball boy.

Charlie Morris, also a well-known figure in Wrexham's licensing trade, died age 73 on May 6 after a lengthy illness.

A grandfather and great grandfather, he also leaves behind children Tracey, David and Lisa, and wife Maggi.

Mr Morris, served as Wrexham FC’s first ever official ball boy in the early 1960’s but he will best be remembered as the charismatic chairman of Brymbo Steelworks FC and more latterly Lex X1.

He was licensee with his wife Maggi at the Brymbo Sports Club, then the Miners club in Grosvenor Road and the Mount at Brymbo.

Lex owner Viv Reeves has paid tribute, adding that Mr Morris helped keep the club going through difficult times.

He said: “It is no exaggeration to say that Charlie and Maggi kept Lex alive in difficult times, and were at the helm when we won the NEWFA Cup in 2009 with Colin Parry as manager.

"The club owes a huge debt to Charlie and when his cancer returned very recently we all knew deep down that Charlie would not long be with us.

"He bore his final illness with characteristic courage, fortitude, and, indeed it has to be said, humour. I never once heard him complain.

"I remember very clearly the last words he spoke to me“ Viv, make sure that you live every moment of your life" - I commend Charlie’s last words to me, to each of you.”

Mr Morris's funeral will be at 3.30pm this coming Monday, May 14 at Pentrebychan Crematorium and then back to Brymbo Conservative Club afterwards.