TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'true gent' from Wrexham who helped build up a now-successful law firm.

Gwilym Caesar Hughes, originally from Llangollen, died aged 93 at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Friday, October 6, following a short illness.

He was one of the founding members of GHP Legal, which nowadays has a team of solicitors across Wrexham, Oswestry and Llangollen, and employs around 100 people.

The story began though in April 1970 when Mr Hughes, along with Gethin Davies and Clive Jones, all of whom were Partners in the Wrexham & Shotton Practice of Cyril Jones & Co, joined forces to establish Gwilym Hughes & Partners.

Mr Hughes was also a director of the New Glyn Valley Tramway and Industrial Heritage Trust since 2009.

He was also known for having run Caesar's restaurant in Llangollen during the 1980s and was once a president of the Wrexham Rotary Club.

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Posting the announcement of his death on the Wrexham Town Matters group, Mr Hughes' niece Claire Quant said: "On behalf of his wife Pat, sons Ben, and Christian and their families, and sister Mavis, we are saddened to tell you that Gwilym passed away in the early hours of this morning after a short illness at Wrexham Maelor Hospital aged 93.

"He built up a successful legal practice turning Gwilym Hughes & Partners into one of the most successful in North Wales and the North West.

"Gwilym was a familiar face around the area and up until recently split his time between Chester and Harlech."

Mr Hughes also had a late son, Geraint, who passed away two years ago.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be determined, Claire added.

Speaking to the Leader, she said: "Gwilym’s zest for life was quite something and up until very recently he was leading a full and active life, still driving, eating out and keeping up to date with current affairs and his historical interests, including the Glyn Valley Tramway project where he was a Vice President.

"He was an excellent photographer and videographer and inherited his father’s collection of cine films which he added to over the years. These featured key historical moments in Llangollen life, including unique footage of the first Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 1947 and celebrations at the end of the Second World War.

"This interest in videography was passed on to his three sons, the late Geraint, and Ben and Christian who both have successful careers in film and animation, tv and video production.

"He enjoyed playing golf and music with a particular love of jazz and just a few months ago attended several concerts at Llangollen Eisteddfod."

"He was a devoted ‘Gramps’ to Josh, Poppy, Lily and Molly and will be greatly missed by us all.”

Claire's post on the Wrexham Town Matters group was also met with several words of tribute to Mr Hughes.

Mike and Jane Shelley wrote: "Condolences to the family such a true gent. Mike and Jane Shelley."

Ginny Weston added: "Condolences to the family, a charming gentleman! RIP. Gwilym."

Rob Gabriel wrote: "Condolences, what a lovely guy."