A MEMORIAL for a well loved Chepstow rugby player will consist of a bench and plaque in his honour at the town's leisure centre.

The memorial fund for Neil Allmark, of Caldicot, who died aged 28, on January 9, was set up by Chepstow Leisure Centre where he worked as a duty officer and has collected £468 in donations.

Staff at the leisure centre and Mr Allmark’s family have agreed on a plaque in the main reception of the leisure centre and a large bench with separate plaque in the grounds.

Mr Allmark was a blindside flanker for Chepstow Rugby Club and was on the firsts team for around 10 years. He is understood to have been in a heart hospital in England when he died.

His last game was said to be just before Christmas.

Helen Dymond, manager of Chepstow Leisure Centre said: “May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind donations. It has been apparent since collecting the monies that Neil had an impact on many of our staff, customers, members and clubs at the centre.

"Neil was very helpful, hardworking and passionate about his role here at Chepstow Leisure Centre and he was a very dear colleague and friend. He was a great young man, hardworking, determined, a talented rugby player and a true gent."

She added: “We will miss him lots but we count ourselves as very fortunate to have included Neil in our lives.”