TRIBUTES from Wrexham's sport and business world have flooded in for a "dad in a million".

Chris Jones, 64, was managing director at Minera based Eric Roberts Builders Ltd right until his death at the weekend after a brave five-year battle with cancer.

From Wrexham, and a keen football supporter, on leaving the Grove Park School, Mr Jones joined the IT department at the Wrexham and East Denbighshire Water Company but spent a considerable time working as a computer programmer at British Aerospace until he joined the family business in 1989.

His son Marc and daughter Dani led the tributes saying: "He was a dad in a million; our role model and best friend - we will miss him so much.

"Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer way back in 2013 but right from the outset, he had a mindset of facing this horrible disease head on.

"He researched the ways open to him and throwing in the towel was not one of them. He undertook pioneering surgery and all other options that might help him were explored.

"Despite his gallant fight and numerous chemotherapy sessions he slipped away from us surrounded by his family late on Saturday evening.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received during the last five years but particularly since his death was announced. In fact, social media.has gone into meltdown."

Leading the tributes was Wrexham AFC commercial director Geoff Scott.

He said: "Chris is an old class mate of mine from our Grove Park schooldays and all of his family have been massive Wrexham fans and have been great sponsors of the club, so much so, we had the Bar in the University Stand named Jonesey's Bar not to mention sponsoring the stand itself.

"Additionally he made a generous donation to the club's legal team in order to appeal the decision to deduct 10 points from our table position after the club went into administration in 2004.

"Sadly the appeal was not upheld by the FA but it is a good illustration of the love he has always had for the club."

Leader sports columnist Phil Jones, a friend for 40 years, said: "He has been so brave and has been in much pain but never did he moan whilst undergoing treatment after treatment.

"In fact his illness was handled with characteristic courage and in the main with humour.

"He was a fantastic all round sportsman and as well as being a very competent squash player and a proud member of Wrexham Rugby Club, he will best be remembered for his local football achievements playing for Rhosddu Utd, Lex XI, Chirk AAA, The Black Lion and The Egerton."

Wrexham AFC legend Dixie McNeil, a former team-mate at Chirk, said "he was as gentle as a giant" adding that he was a stylish no nonsense centre half who everyone respected for his fair-mindedness and honesty and "we have remained firm friends ever since."

Mr Jones, who lived in Llanrhaeadr, is survived by his devoted wife Dawn, daughter Dani and son Marc.

He was a dear father-in-law to John and Lexie, proud taid of Delilah, a sadly missed brother, brother-in-law and uncle.

The funeral is being held at Wrexham Crematorium at on Wednesday, September 12 at 2.30pm.