TRIBUTES?have been paid to popular local man Christian Brown OBE KSG who died suddenly on May 29.

Well known for his work with local and national charities and voluntary organisations,?Mr Brown was awarded an OBE in 2013 in recognition of his work in the community.

Among the organisations which have benefitted from his support are St Michael’s Centre, Abergavenny Relief in Need Charity and Abergavenny Volunteer Bureau.

Well known as a hot air balloonist,?Mr?Brown also worked with the Bryn Trading Post and was instrumental in twinning the community post office with the post office at Port Lockroy in Antarctica and setting up a scheme in which its postal staff are trained at the Bryn office.

On a wider scale he was heavily involved in Cardiff’s Cornerstone project helping to secure the record £1.1 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant for the project and serving as project management during the redevelopment of the former Ebenezer Chapel into a conference, arts centre and community hub.

Mr Brown has previously served as a Trustee of the Archdiocese of Cardiff and was recently awarding a papal knighthood for his services to the Church.

“He will be fondly remembered for his immense energy and commitment to his work,” said Archbishop George Stack.

Aside from voluntary work Mr Brown also held very successful roles in the private sector; most notably working in public relations for Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin group.

Mr Brown leaves a wife Monica and a son Gabriel.

A memorial Mass will be held the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St David, in Charles Street, Cardiff on Monday, June 25 at noon.