FAMILY and friends of an Abersychan man filled Gwent Crematorium in Croesyceiliog yesterday to pay their respects at his funeral.

Not all mourners for 70 year-old Colin Hosking, known to his friends as Tinto, could squeeze into the busy chapel, with many having to stand at the back or watch the service on the TV outside in the rain.

The Reverend Bevan Morgan led the service, attended by over 200 people and praised Mr Hoskings community spirit and friendly nature. He died in a house fire on Abersychan High Street last month after firefighters rescued him from his bedroom but failed to resuscitate him.

“It is good to see so many faces here today, but I am not surprised, Colin was a popular character and I know some of you have flown over to pay your respects,” he said.

Referencing the variety of people paying their respects, He added: “Some of you may not of even realised his name was Colin, as he was known the length and breadth of the eastern valleys as Tinto.

“He worked hard in the brick works, then as a gun caster and in general construction. He was a heavy smoker, but a great tea maker, whenever you passed Colin it was ‘fancy a cuppa?”

“He liked nothing best than have tea with the boys, that was Colin.”

The hymn Morning Has Broken was sung before The Rev reminisced about changes seen in the Valleys and the circle of life.

He said: “He was a lively presence down at the boxing club and at the old comrades club, I know he was sad when that closed and how the Valleys have changed. It has changed, but it lives on in every one of us who lay claim to it.”

Mr Hosking’s coffin was carried in by his brothers Paul, Stephan and John as well as other family members. His son Jason held back tears as he followed it into the chapel whilst The Answer to Everything by David Alexander was played.

As the service came to a close, the sun shone through the packed service and Unchained Melody by The Everly Brothers was the final song. People were asked to donate to on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research UK.

Brother-in-law Alex Long, married to Mr Hosking’s sister Jennifer, said: “The number of people here is a mark of how well Colin was liked.”

The service was followed by a wake at The Comrades Club.