TRIBUTES have poured in for a former Wales amateur boxing champion who died recently.

Vic Lewis, who also played for Cardiff City reserves, lived in Dinas Powys and was a driving instructor to several generations in the area.

He died on Friday April 8, and has been described as "well known and well liked" by those who knew him.

Born in Barry in 1928, he was only the only child of Trevor and Gwen.

His father was a shipwright by trade, and also a goalkeeper for Cardiff City, while his mother was a women's rights activist and successful lawn bowls player.

Vic followed in his parents' sporting footsteps playing for Cardiff, winning tennis championships, and being crowned Welsh amateur boxing champion at featherweight.

He also spent time in the Merchant Navy, travelling all over the world.

Vic was wed to wife, Maria, for 62 years and witnessed the birth of their grandson in 2009.

They lived on the Longmeadow estate from the 1960s, and ran a hair salon together called Lewis and Michael.

Mr Lewis also set up his driving school, the Metro School of Motoring, in the 1960s.

He leaves behind two sons, Michael and Matthew (better known as Maf).

Matthew, a film director in Hollywood, said in tribute to his father,

He said: "Family and friends have such fond memories of him. I’m sure they will all remember his relentless determination and his ability to get on with virtually everyone that he met but most of all his total love and dedication to his family and his tireless efforts to allow them to achieve anything they wished in life.

"He will be missed terribly but the family are reassured in knowing that his was a life well spent.

He also said his father encouraged him and his wife, a film score composer, to take risks in life and work to achieve success.

His cremation was held at the Coychurch Crematorium on Thursday, April 28 at noon.