The friends of a "true gent" from St Albans have paid tribute following his death last month.

Chris Malyon, 63, died from kidney failure on June 25.

His friend Paul Wallis said: "Chris was well known for his kindness and generosity. Lots of people will have fond memories of him as a fun loving character, always great company.

"He was a true gent, well known for being a kind generous man who will be missed by many people in St Albans.

"The Rats Castle will never seem the same without him.

"He will be missed by many people."

Chris, known to friends as 'Mav' was adopted by George and Mary Malyon and grew up in the Dellfields area of St Albans.

He went to Beaumont School and as a young man worked for Sparshotts fruit and veg and Pinnocks Fruit and Veg suppliers.

He left school and qualified as a draughtsman but went into the building industry to become a builder working with John and Joe for many years, mostly in St Albans.

A keen footballer, Chris played football for many sides - starting at The Pioneer Club and later playing for Selby and Nicholas Breakspear Old Boys.

He also had two trials with Watford Football Club.

Chris was also a regular for many years at The Peahen and The Rats Castle on Hatfield Road.

Chris was living at Marlborough House when he died, a charity organisation run by The Duchess of Marlborough. He leaves behind one daughter, Zoe.

Another friend Tony Thorp said: "I was born and bred in St Albans, and spent all of my social time with the football crowd, giving support to Selby F.C.

"Chris Malyon was also part of this crowd, and I got to know him very well.

"He became a great friend of mine. He had a great sense of humour, and we spent many hours laughing together.

"We socialised in pubs, The Spotted Bull, and The Black Lion, throughout the 70s, 80s.

"I last visited St Albans a couple of years ago, and my last port of call was The Rats Castle. I went there specifically to see Chris and he was delighted to see me.

"We had a great laugh and a few pints over ‘times gone by’.

"Chris will be very sadly missed."

The 71-year-old, who now lives in Christchurch, Dorset, added: "My favourite memory has got to be my last meeting with Chris.

"I was feeling a bit depressed at having to leave St Albans, but sitting with Chris for an hour had me howling with laughter.

"He had a great sense of humour, and I went on my way a happy man."

Chris' funeral will take place on Friday at the Crematorium at Garston from 11.20am.