TRIBUTES have been paid to a Worcester security guard with a "smile that would brighten any dark day".

Crowngate security supervisor Chris Griffiths died last month, aged 51, after falling whilst hiking through Snowdonia. 

An inquest has opened into his death - with a coroner saying he slipped and fell from the side of a peak.

Mr Giffiths was known for his "smile and laughter which would echo around Crowngate" and "his willingness to help others" from staff, retailers, customers, friends and family. 

He is survived by his wife Louise, their four children, Charlotte, Katie, Lauren and Ben, and grandchildren Lyssia, Marlo and Lillie. 

Mrs Giffiths said: "​His smile would brighten any dark day, and his infectious nervous laugh when he had done something silly will remain with us forever.

Worcester News: Mr Giffiths was a well-known member of the city community. Mr Giffiths was a well-known member of the city community. (Image: Submitted)"Our family are shocked, heartbroken and feelings we cannot put into words.

"Fly high Chris. We will always love you."

Mr Giffiths joined Crowngate 20 years ago and over that time "became an integral part of the makeup of the centre".

Michael Lloyd, Crowngate centre manager, said: "His smile and laughter would echo around Crowngate as he went about his daily duties, which often included a wind-up along the way, giving everyone who met him cause to laugh themselves.

"The loss of Chris has had a knock-on effect on a large proportion of the City Centre as Chris was a highly thought of member of the city centre teams who had involvement in many groups and committees including the Police, BID, Youth Engagement, Bike Worcester and much more.

"We have loved, laughed and lost a great man who will be in our thoughts forever.

"All our love and thoughts are now with Louise and the family, who Chris loved wholeheartedly."

Mr Lloyd revealed that Crowngate will be looking to install a plaque in memory of Mr Giffiths.

He added that Crowngate invites people who knew Chris to sit and reflect on the good times he shared with them. 

Crowngate operations manager Warren Greatrex had known Mr Griffiths for 15 years as a colleague and a friend.

He said: "His willingness to help others was a true credit to him.

"We have had many staff at Crowngate over the last 32 years, but I think Chris is one of those who has really left his mark on everyone he has ever met.

"He will be missed by so many of us but he will never be forgotten."

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Mr Giffiths family with funeral costs.

The GoFundMe can be found here.