Aberystwyth is paying tribute to a popular businessman who has run a successful and well-known jewellers in the town for several decades.

John Davies of TJ Davies and Sons Jewellers on North Parade passed away yesterday and tributes have flooded in.

Aberystwyth councillor Ceredig Davies, who himself runs a shop on Great Darkgate Street, said Mr Davies’ death was “sad news”.

“He was a long-standing friend and a true gentleman, if John could help you he would,” he said.

“I’m going to miss our conversations with him sitting in front of his bench at the back of his shop in North Parade.

“No more quick chats whilst the shutters were being lifted on the jewellery shop.

“I’ll miss him and the town will see his loss.

“Condolences to Ann, Angharad and Rhodri.”

Mr Davies moved the jewellers, founded by his father Titus John Davies on Terrace Road in 1948, to 11-13 North Parade in 1990 along with his wife Ann, and the couple’s “energy and enthusiasm has been instrumental in building the reputation that the business now enjoys.”

The couple have received many awards for their work over the years, with the business scooping honours at the 2019 Aber First awards organised by Menter Aberystwyth.

Menter Aberystwyth said on social media that it was “so sad to hear of the death of Mr Davies”, who was “such an integral, loved part of our community.”

“We were honoured to be able to award him, his business and his commitment to our town a few years ago at the Aber First - such a deserving man,” they said.

“A man of gentleness, happy to chat and pass the time of the day, who made customers feel like they were welcome and not just interested in them for the business.

“He will be greatly missed.

“Our sympathies are with the family.”