THE FAMILY of a well-respected Openreach engineer have paid tribute their loving son and husband who 'doted' on his twin daughters.

Alun Owen, known to friends and family as Al Bonc, died after he fell into the river at Abergwyngregyn in Gwynedd and was swept downstream.

He was working for Openreach on the day of the incident on Tuesday, October 6.

The family said that 'no words could describe the pain of losing Al', and they were 'absolutely devastated, struggling to make sense of the tragic events of that day'.

In a statement, the family said: "He had the infectious ability to brighten even the darkest day and there is now a colossal void in their lives without him around.

"Al was a loving husband to his soul-mate, Ceri and doted on his twin daughters, Cet and Anni. Devoted son to Cath and the late Iolo Owen, Al was also a loyal and humorous brother to Geth, Mei, Robs and Lowri.

"Loved by his mother and father in law, Richard and Rhian Ogwen-Jones; Al was also the most fantastic father, brother in law, uncle, nephew, cousin and to so many others around Wales and beyond, the dearest friend. He always had time to listen.

"Everyone who was fortunate to get to know Al soon realised he was a larger than life character with a wicked sense of humour; full of fun and energy with a happy-go-lucky approach to life.

"Helping people is what he loved doing and would often go out of his way to help anyone; he was totally selfless, which is why he was dearly loved by his many friends and indeed within the community where he was more fondly known as ‘Al Bonc’."

The family added they were trying to come to terms with the reality that they will never see Mr Owen's cheeky smile when he walks through the door.

The statement added: "The family would like to thank everyone for their support and comforting messages during this difficult time.

"Furthermore, the family wish to express their gratitude to all the emergency services who tried to save Al’s life on Tuesday, putting their own lives at risk in extremely perilous conditions.

"Al’s family hope that his gentle soul can now rest in peace and that he can find some solace in being reunited with his Dad, Iolo."

Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page to support Mr Owen's wife and daughters at this difficult time.

Click here to donate. More than £43,000 has already been raised.