Tributes have been paid to a 'much loved' crewman based at Holyhead lifeboat station.

Matt Gration, who died suddenly last Friday, spent two years with the RNLI as a member of their shore crew, starting out as a tractor driver before becoming Head Launcher last November.

He was also a keen fundraiser for the lifesaving charity, and last May, he was part of a dozen-strong team who climbed Yr Wyddfa, alongside his two dogs, Daisy and Dora.

In a statement, an RNLI Holyhead spokesperson said Mr Gration had "rooted himself firmly" in the crew.

"He was extremely dedicated, keen, and would turn up for training sessions and shouts with an eagerness to learn....as well as his own training, he was always ready to help others with their training too – a team player in every way."

"He was extremely thoughtful and a great person to have a one-to-one conversation with, whether it was talking about his passion for motorbikes, his love of the outdoors, his fiancé Susie, his dogs, or pretty much anything else - it was always a pleasure spending time with him."

They added: "Matt’s team spirit and kindness shone through, and we can’t quite comprehend his loss."

"We are sending all our love to Susie, and all of his family, friends and work colleagues at this sad time. Our station flag is flying at half mast as a mark of respect."

Mark Wade, coxswain at Holyhead RNLI, said: "Since his first day walking into the station, with his desire to volunteer and be part of the crew, Matt was always committed – achieving everything along his shore crew path, supporting events and visits, and making every call and training exercise he possibly could."

"An absolute gentle soul. Fair winds and following seas, Matt. You will be unbelievably missed, our friend."