A BT engineer who died after being swept downstream in a river had an “infectious ability to brighten even the darkest day”, his family has said.

Alun Owen, 32,  was working for Openreach on Tuesday, October 6, when he was swept down the river in Abergwyngregyn, North Wales.

In a statement issued by North Wales Police his family said “no words could describe the pain of losing Al”.

The engineer had twin daughters Cet and Anni with his wife Ceri, the statement said.

The family said: “‘Everyone who was fortunate to get to know Al soon realised he was a larger than life character with a wicked sense of humour; full of fun and energy with a happy-go-lucky approach to life.

“Helping people is what he loved doing and would often go out of his way to help anyone.

“He was totally selfless, which is why he was dearly loved by his many friends and indeed within the community where he was more fondly known as Al Bonc.”

The statement added: “He had the infectious ability to brighten even the darkest day and there is now a colossal void in their lives without him around.”

The family expressed gratitude to the emergency services who tried to save Mr Owen’s life in perilous conditions.

A multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched shortly after 4pm on October 6 after reports of a BT engineer being swept downstream.

Mr Owen’s body was recovered shortly after 7pm.

A joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive and North Wales Police is underway.