A BLAENAVON man who "lived life to the full" died from an undiagnosed heart condition - aged just 20.

Tributes have poured in to Aaron Williams, known as Azza, who family and friends described as "happy person who would make people smile with his cheeky grin."

Mr Williams' family say they have been overwhelmed by the support shown locally including an outpouring of messages which have been left on Facebook.

His brother Craig said: “All the messages have been of great comfort to the family and demonstrate just how much Azza was known and loved by everyone within our community and beyond.”

Mr Williams died on February 10.

He was preparing to leave for Scotland last Tuesday in preparation for the rugby at the weekend.

But he felt unwell not long after leaving his Blaenavon home in a friend’s car, and died suddenly of natural causes of an undiagnosed aortic dissection - a heart condition.

The former Hillside Primary School and Abersychan Comprehensive pupil had worked at Doncasters full-time since November last year after completing an apprenticeship with the manufacturing firm.

Previously he was a keen footballer for Blaenavon Blues from U8 to U16, but more recently played darts, snooker and pool for local teams.

He is said to have “lived for weekend” and loved socialising with his many friends, who even sang a song about him including “There's only one Azza Williams, one Azza Williams, walking along, singing a song, Walking in an Azza Wonderland”.

His brother added: “He lived life to the full and was a very social person, which is reflected in the amount of kind tributes that have been left for him from all age groups of people.”

He leaves behind his parents, Gary and Gill, and siblings, Craig and Bethan.

His funeral will take place on February 20 at 1pm at St Peter’s Church before a committal at Blaenavon Cemetery at 2pm, and a wake at The Pottery Pub.

Blaenavon Blues passed on their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Williams.

A statement released by the club said: “Azza will be remembered as an honest well-liked lad who always had a smile on his face.

“Azza has a lot of friends at the club and he certainly won’t be forgotten. His family have close connections with the club and we will stand at their side at this difficult time.”

Coach Richard Gulliford added: “Azza loved football and was a strong tackler who gave 100 per cent. He was a team player and was happy just to be involved.

“He was good to have in the dressing room and was always up for giving and receiving good banter. If all players had Azza’s attitude it would be an easy job, he was a pleasure to manage.”

The team will be having their own tribute to him on Saturday.