The local bowling fraternity is mourning the death of Peter Howells, who died last Tuesday.

The former player and columnist suffered a fatal heart attack at his home in Hook.

Peter, 65, was renowned for being a superb bowls player and enjoyed success at county and international level, and was Haverfordwest’s longest serving player.

David Summers, former Haverfordwest Bowling Secretary and close friend, said: “To me, and most of Haverfordwest Club’s members, Peter was Haverfordwest Bowls and I think that, through his years of involvement at club and county level, this was how he was perceived by the county bowling fraternity.

“Add to this the civil service bowling section which he made such a strong force in the county both on the bowling and social fronts.

“Although he did his part in the administration of the club his strength was on the field of play, his achievements speak for themselves.

Peter was a very easy fellow to get on with but his competitiveness together with his prodigious talent made him a strict taskmaster on the green.”

Perhaps Peter will be best remembered for his popular weekly bowling column which he wrote with accuracy and humour for over 20 years in the local press.

Firstly, the column was published in the West Wales Guardian before moving to the Milford Mercury in the 1990s until it ended in 2009.

“His literary talents were known to most through his column in the Mercury but they also produced a history of Haverfordwest Bowling Club, detailing the Club’s history from its inception to the end of the century,” said David.

“I first met Peter in 1986 when I started bowling in the Meads and he wasted no time in persuading me that the real bowls was outdoor and at Haverfordwest, and in that he was right.

“We have lost an incalculable part of the club with Peter’s passing. He will be sorely missed and exceedingly difficult to replace, a large character in all ways.”

Western Telegraph sports editor Gordon Thomas added: “I was deeply shocked when told the sad news. He really was a larger than life character.

“His bowling column was legendary. and hugely popular.

I classed Peter as a good friend and enjoyed some great banter whenever he came in the office.”

Peter worked as a civil servant and as well as bowls was a keen rugby player. He represented Milford Haven and Llangwm RFC.

All at Telegraph Sport send their sincere condolences to his wife Winifred and to the rest of the family.