Hundreds of people have attended an event at Aberavon beach in memory of father of three Paul O'Dwyer, who lost his life in last week’s River Cleddau paddleboarding tragedy.

It is understood that Mr O’Dwyer, a former soldier, died after jumping into the river to tray and save two paddleboarders who had got into trouble at the weir in Haverfordwest.

Members of the Aberavon Surf Club surfers, who knew Mr O’Dwyer very well, and members of his family who also surf paddled out into the water this morning in tribute.

Hundreds of people also joined in the event by watching from the beach and pier.

“It was a really fitting tribute, very moving,” said Clare Rutter who attended this morning’s event.

Three people lost their lives in the tragedy on the River Cleddau last week. Dyfed-Powys Police announced this morning that a fourth woman had died in hospital.

A woman has also been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter as part of the investigation.

Mr O'Dwyer was an ex-soldier and had served with The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers 108 Welsh Squadron militia.

After leaving the military he became one of the founders of charity SA1UTE, which supports veterans in the South Wales area.

The organisation has said it is raising money for Mr O'Dwyer's family.

He was also a member of the Aberavon Green Stars RFC who escribed his ‘upbeat’ character and ‘infectious smile’.

A statement from the club described Mr O'Dwyer as an ‘avid adventurer, whether he would be paddle boarding, surfing, skiing, walking, or climbing nothing was too small for Paul to achieve’.

“No doubt Paul put his own life on the line yesterday to make sure others were safe," said the statement.