TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known and popular St Dogmaels sportsman who has died suddenly in Paris at the age of 36.

Simon Wilson, who had lived in Holland with his partner, was a talented midfielder for both St Dogmaels and Cardigan as well as a number of clubs in the Pembrokeshire League.

He was the son of long-serving St Dogmaels FC stalwart Peter Wilson and his wife Sue.

A former team-mate told the Tivy-Side Simon ‘was held in high regard by just about everyone who knew him’.

Local county councillor Mike James said people were ‘greatly saddened’ at the news.

“The whole community is devastated and everyone’s thoughts are with Peter, Sue, Melanie, and all the immediate family at this sad time,” he added.

“Simon was a popular, happy go lucky individual who did not have a bad word to say about anyone.

“He would have helped anyone in an instant.

“Simon was a keen sportsman and had just recently returned from supporting Wales in a World Cup game.

“Friends in many countries will be grieving the loss of someone who touched the hearts of everyone he met.”