Sadness at canoe pioneer's death

Huw Evans is believed to have died of natural causes

A white water sports enthusiast who ran his own canoe and kayak company has died whilst on holiday in Costa Rica.

Huw Evans of Johnstown in Carmarthen is believed to have passed away in his sleep in the week before Christmas.

Well-known to water sports enthusiasts in the UK, many are expected to attend his funeral at Narberth on Monday.

Mr Evans, who was in his mid 40s and leaves a young family, was described as one of the pioneers of the sport in Wales.

He ran his own water sports outlet company, White Water Consultancy International, from a base at Bronwydd Arms.

The firm's general manager Mark Owen said: "Huw was one of the godfathers of white water paddling in Wales.

"He was a real character and a good friend and was just known by everybody in the sport.

"He started off with a £40 enterprise allowance selling bits of kit out of the back of a VW camper van and built up the business from there.

"He will be sadly missed by many in the canoeing and kayaking world. People will be travelling from all over the UK for the funeral."