TRIBUTES have been paid to a hugely popular bus driver and former ice cream man from Wrexham.

David Jones, known to many simply as ‘Dave the bus driver or 'Dave the ice cream man’, lost a month and a half-long battle with Covid-19 on Tuesday (March 2).

The 63-year-old, of Rossett, is described as being a "wonderful" dad to daughter, Leah, and son, Ryan, and loving-husband of Christine of 30 years.

Dave Jones and wife, Christine.

Dave Jones and wife, Christine.

He was a bus driver in the Wrexham area for Arriva for 13 years, prior to which he worked as an ice cream man chiefly covering the Brynteg, Pentre Broughton and Tanyfron areas.

As a testament to his popularity within the local community, hundreds of messages of condolence have been sent to his family in the wake of his death.

In the many messages, David is described as a "great bloke", "true gent" and "lovely man".

And local Arriva drivers have changed their Facebook profile pictures to a dedicated 'In memory of Dave Jones' graphic.

The in memory Dave Jones Facebook image being used by local Arriva drivers as their profile pictures.

The 'in memory Dave Jones' Facebook image being used by local Arriva drivers as their profile pictures.

Leah Jones, 29, paid a touching tribute to her Dad.

She said: "He was just so laid back and such a calming presence - he was so kind-hearted and would get on with everyone he met.

"He will forever be my first and last thought of my day. I’m not entirely sure how I am going to live without him.

"He is going to be sadly missed by all of his family, friends and colleagues."

David is said to at his heart have been a family man, devoting his time to his wife, children and six siblings.

Leah says she has been "completely overwhelmed" with the amount of messages the family has received since David's death.

"The amount of people who have messaged us their condolences saying "your dad was my ice cream man when I was growing up", or that he was their favourite bus driver is amazing.

"It's incredible to know just how many people's lives he touched."

Dave Jones and daughter, Leah.

Dave Jones and daughter, Leah.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family had been unable to visit David in hospital after his admission on January 19 - but were granted permission to say their goodbyes after his ventilator was turned off on March 2.

Leah said: "I held his hand whilst he took his last breath and made his way to the stars. I know you fought so hard to find your way back to us, Dad.

"I know you are in a better place now and can spend eternity having lovely dreams."

Michael Morton, area managing director at Arriva Buses Wales, said: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and friends at this terrible time.

"David worked for Arriva for over 13 years and will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him at our Wrexham Depot.

"The team on site and across Wales are very close and the loss of David has impacted everyone greatly."

David with his son, Ryan.

David with his son, Ryan.

Leah also paid tribute to Arriva and the nurses at Wrexham Maelor Hospital who cared for David.

She said: "Arriva have been absolutely brilliant throughout, David's boss has been calling us every couple of days to check up on us and see if we need anything.

"And I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank the doctors and nurses who fought everyday to help Dad.

"They put themselves and their families at risk every single day to help others and I will forever be in their debt."

The staff on the critical care unit have even given David's family a memory box to help them treasure their fondest memories of him.

Leah has set up a GoFundMePage to raise money for the critical care unit as a thank you - which has already raised over £500.

You can donate to it here.