Dirty Sanchez star honours Michael 'Pancho' Locke on Everest trek

A tribute flag to Michael "Pancho" Locke has reached Everest Base Camp after his former Dirty Sanchez co-star Mathew Pritchard dedicated his Himalayan trek to the Welsh TV star and entrepreneur.

Locke's former co-conspirator on MTV stunt and prank series had already started the challenge when he learned the news of Locke's death last Friday, 6 November, aged 47.

The Cardiff presenter and skateboarder said he was now heading home to "give Panch a send-off", after spending the journey reflecting on more than 35 years of friendship.

"He had the biggest heart and was one of the kindest souls you could ever meet," he said, adding there was "never, ever a dull moment" with Locke.

In a tribute posted during the trek, Pritchard reflected on the pair's decades-long friendship, saying Locke "was the only person I knew who could make you laugh without even trying".

Pritchard also revealed he had recently spent time with Locke at his shop - memories, he said, he would "always treasure".

"It's almost as if the universe gave us that one last bit of time together before taking him away. I'll always treasure that," he wrote.

"I wish I could hear your voice one more time. I miss you, and I'll always love you."

The UK equivalent to US stunt film series Jackass, Dirty Sanchez started out in Newport and saw the group travel all over the world performing stunts and pranks.

Locke, Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce starred in the MTV show, which ran from 2003 to 2007, airing in 64 countries and garnering more than 400 million viewers.

Further tributes have appeared on social media from friends and supporters in Port Talbot where Locke became co-owner of streetwear brand San Portablo in 2016.

Flowers were left outside the shop in the Aberafan shopping centre and San Portablo shared images of a mural created in Locke's memory.

His partner in the business, former Tata steelworker Nigel Hunt, told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Locke was someone whose presence was felt wherever he went.

"He had a brilliant life," said Hunt. "He lit up rooms, he lit up the world."

Hunt said Locke was fiercely loyal to his friends and was known for championing local musicians, comedians and artists.

Recalling his support for comedian Sandro Ford, he said Locke would travel to small gigs across the country, simply to make sure there was a friendly face in the audience.

Ford dedicated a show in Neath to Locke over the weekend, receiving a standing ovation when he described him as "a legend" and "a good friend" who had helped him throughout his career.

Hunt said: "He loved seeing people do well. He encouraged people."

Describing Locke as "wild", "messy" and "rock and roll", Hunt said he was also "an extremely loyal friend" whose impact on the creative life of Port Talbot would be felt for years to come.

He predicted an "incredible display of love" for Locke in the coming weeks, with musicians, artists and members of the local community all planning tributes.

Fellow Dirty Sanchez star Dainton said news of Locke's death had brought back memories of the group's early days skateboarding together.

"When you grow up skating with your friends, you're in your own little world. You never think about losing anyone from it," he wrote.

"Since hearing the news, all those memories have been flooding back.

"I can see Panch, hear the laughter, and remember all the best times like it was yesterday.

"Then it hits me that he's gone and I still can't believe it," he wrote, adding his thoughts were with Locke's daughters, family and friends.