TRIBUTES have been paid to a Chepstow businessman who died after collapsing on Monmouth Showground last week.

Seventy-five-year-old Warren Ardern, a director of County Marquees, was reportedly erecting marquees before Saturday’s Monmouthshire Show when he collapsed at around 11.45am on Friday (6th July).

An air ambulance crew arrived at the scene but were unable to save him.

A statement on the company’s Facebook page announced his passing with “immense sadness”.

“Warren was working until the end, and collapsed on Monmouth Showground last Friday,” it read. “Fittingly he was finishing a marquee off for the local beekeeping group, bees being his most recent passion.

“Warren founded County Marquees with fellow director Stuart in 1990. Prior to that he had farmed and run a fuel and bottled gas distribution business. With Warren's tireless energy, drive and attention to detail, the business grew to being the success it is today. His son David is now managing director, and daughter Niki and daughter-in-law Danielle are also directors in the business.

“He will be dearly missed by his wife Janet, all his family, his large circle of friends, as well as the many customers and suppliers he has worked with over the years.

“As usual, this time of year is extremely busy for us, and it's business as usual - just as Warren would have wanted.”