A FAMILY has paid tribute to a local 'hero' who touched the hearts of a lot of people.

Funeral arrangements have been made for Alun Jones, of Flint, who died at the age of 72 from an infection whilst battling cancer.

Mr Jones died on Tuesday, May 21 and leaves behind wife Lorraine, children Jamie Jones (44) and Zoe Cottam (48) and four grandchildren.

Daughter Zoe told the Leader that her dad was a caring man and would do anything for anyone.

She said: "He was a man that cared. He was a caring, hard-working man who always put everybody before himself by going that extra mile.

"He was a generous and loving father, and a humble man. Nothing would ever be a problem because he would go out of his way to help people. He touched a lot of people."

Mr Jones took over the family business in the 1980s which was honoured by the Mayor of Flint.

The Leader has previously reported that Mr Jones - the third generation and owner of Jones Motor Services, Flint - celebrated over 100 years in business and he received an award at a ceremony at the Town Hall in 2013.

The company was founded in 1898 by his grandfather Edward Jones and the 72-year-old was also previously the owner of the Spar garage and convenience store in Flint.

Mr Jones was also a member and past chairman of the Roundtable and Rotary club and past chairman of Flint FC. As well as that, he was the chairman of Flint lifeboat and received a medal for 25 years of service.

Mrs Cottam added: "He’s been a part of Flint Lifeboat for years, and they’re going to carry him down in the funeral.

"He did a lot for St Kentigern's as well (local hospice in St Asaph) which was a charity that was quite close to his heart, and one that he’d used to help raise money for. He used to do raffles and different things to send money over to them.

"He was a businessman, a family man, and a bit of a jack of all trades, but I honestly don’t know how he found the time."

Mr Jones was also president of Flint Town Football Club, chairman of the Flint and Holywell Round Table and the former chairman of the Flint Citizens Advice Bureau. He was also a member of the organising committee for Flint bonfire and firework display for four decades.

Mrs Cottam said: "A lot of people have called him a ‘hero’ and said that I’m blessed to have him as a dad. If I could be half the person he was, I’d be a better person. You couldn’t ask for a better dad.

"We’re devastated, but he’s at peace now.

"We’ve asked for there to be no flowers, but for money to be donated to St Kentigern's."

The funeral will take place at 12pm on June, 4 at Pentre Bychan in Wrexham.

Alan Forrester, lifeboat station manager, worked with Mr Jones for many years and he said he will be sadly missed.

He told the Leader: "He was a very well respected member of the community and he did a lot for Flint.

"He was chairman of our committee for many, many years and was involved in anything and would do everything that was going on.

"He was a polite and pleasant person and will be sadly missed by the community of Flint."