THE funeral of a "Llay legend" was attended by 500 people, an inquest heard.

Keith Evans, 62, was a well-loved family man who had friends of all ages.

The inquest at County Hall in Ruthin heard that Mr Evans died at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital where he had been admitted after he choked on food at a meal attended by many members of his family.

Several family members attempted CPR before paramedics arrived and he was taken to hospital.

The inquest heard that due to previous successful treatment for cancer of the tonsils, Mr Evans had trouble swallowing. However, his wife Alison said he had never choked before, or even had a near miss, as he was very careful.

Due to a lack of oxygen to the brain Mr Evans died at the hospital on February 11 this year.

Alison and Mr Evan's family thanked the staff at the Maelor for the care they gave to Keith.

Assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central David Pojur said it was clear Mr Evans "was a well-liked, very popular, well-loved family man".

Mr Evans was one of eight children and had worked at the Airbus plant in Broughton before retiring last year.

He married his childhood sweetheart Alison in 1977 and they had three children, Sandra, Katie and Boo, and he was a devoted grandad.

His funeral in March at Llay Miners Welfare Institute after a service at the Church of St Martin in the village was attended by at least 500 people.

The hearse was in the red of his beloved Liverpool FC and, later in the month, the family made a pilgrimage to Anfield to lay down a large floral tribute to Keith at the Hillsborough Memorial.

Mr Pojur concluded that Mr Evans died due to a lack of oxygen to the brain during a respiratory event due to choking on food.