TRIBUTES have been made to a "larger than life character" who was a key member of a North Wales choir.

At 94, Ednyfed Williams had been the longest-serving member of Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir, in Flintshire, joining in October 1957.

A touching post on the choir's Facebook group read: "It is with great sadness we report the passing of Ednyfed Williams, our longest serving member, and was active to the last, singing at our St David's concert on March 2, and even serenading his nurses following his admission to hospital after a fall just a week ago.

"He enjoyed passing on his love of Welsh culture and music, and mentored many new and young choristers. Among the most loyal and committed choristers, Ednyfed was always one of the first to arrive at rehearsals.

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"He enjoyed the companionship and camaraderie of choir life and following the passing of his beloved wife Eirlys in 2009, took great solace from the friendships he forged in the choir.

"He was a wonderful raconteur and acted as compère for many concerts. We will all miss Ednyfed's sonorous bass voice and his wicked sense of humour.

"We offer our sincere condolences to his children Delyth, Meredydd and Dylan and their respective families. Ednyfed's dedication and love of Côr Meibion Trelawnyd will live long in our memories."

Ednyfed, a former deputy headteacher at Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, had moved from Dyserth to live near his daughter Delyth Jones, in Denbigh.

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She added a moving tribute to the choir's post: "I have tears, pride, memories and smiles all jumbled up as one as I read all your kind messages.

"Thank you to everyone for your kind words and for your friendship towards dad over many many years.

"Thanks to 'the boys' and all those associated with the choir - you were his delight, his steadying hand, his stay for so much of his life.

"I have a gaping hole in my heart tonight. Thank you dad for your humour, your friendship and your quiet guidance all the years of my life. Love always."

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Incredibly well thought of by those involved in the choir, Ednyfed's loss will is a big blow.

Artistic director Ann Atkinson said: "He had been on very good form at our St David's Day concert.

"He was a larger than life character, with the most amazing bass voice you've ever heard, it was wonderful.

"And he was such a lovely guy but with a streak of naughtiness. We're going to miss him."

Phillip Roberts, a member of the choir committee and the bottom bass section, added: "He was quite a character, he made us laugh all the time, he was lovely. He was a little 'cythraul', could be mischievous. It feels very empty in rehearsal. We all feel the loss."

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Fellow chorister since 2009, Andy Corwell, who sat next to Ednyfed, said: "He was my next door neighbour in all of the rehearsals, and a good friend. Always a man of great humour.

"He was worldly wise as far as choral singing was concerned. Choir was his life, he loved it.

"Really a charming guy to be sat next to all these years, a man of many parts, multi-faceted background. Just delightful to be around. I can't believe that he's gone."

Ednyfed was a well-respected member of staff at Welsh-medium secondary school, Ysgol Maes Garmon. He dedicated his time to ensuring all learners felt valued and had every opportunity to learn and live their school life through the medium of Welsh.

As a deputy headteacher for many years, he was one of the senior members of staff who set firm foundations and values for the school.

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He was a larger than life character and a talented singer who always took a central role in school productions. Many will remember him as Tevye in the school production of Fiddler on the Roof in the late 1980s.

Headteacher Bronwen Hughes, added: "We are very fortunate to have had Mr Ednyfed Williams as a member of staff at Ysgol Maes Garmon. He valued each and every pupil, he was passionate about the Welsh language and had time for everybody.

"His impact on thousands of pupils was immeasurable. We have lost a very special member of 'teulu' Maes Garmon."

The choir will perform at the Principality Stadium on Cardiff on Saturday (March 16), for the Six Nations match between Wales and Italy. While Ednyfed hadn't be due to attend, Phillip added it would be an emotional performance, their first without him.

Funeral details are yet to be announced but there will be a private service in Denbigh, followed by a memorial service to celebrate Ednyfed's life.