WEST MERCIA POLICE have charged a Ross man with murder, after an argument culminated in a fatal stabbing at an address in the centre of town.

Christopher Vivian, aged 22, was charged at Hereford Magistrates Court on Monday with killing 30-year-old James Alan Ball, also of Ross.

As this newspaper went to press on Tuesday, several friends of the dead man paid tribute to him on various facebook sites. One wrote, "He would always have the time to stop and talk to you. He was a pleasent bloke, and will be remembered for his cheeky smile. He will be missed by many."

And on Wednesday his family released a tribute which described the dead man as a 'caring' man who was 'kind and generous'.

The statement released by his family said James will be missed by his mother, Pauline Ball; his father Richard Ball; his elder brother Andrew Ball; and his nine-year-old daughter, as well as his extended family and friends.

"James loved fishing on the River Wye and when you asked what he had done that day he would say, 'I had a good day's fishing'.

"His daughter particularly tells about her fishing trips with Daddy. She also loved writing to and receiving letters from him.

"James was very good with children and they loved having him around. His nephews say that they will miss him because when James was around he would always play with them and he was good fun. He was a great person to have as an uncle.

"James was a caring person, and always ready to help both his family and friends. He was kind and generous and would always be the first person to offer help and comfort in times of trouble.

"His closest friend, with whom he had been friends since pre-school days, described him as 'one of the good guys'.

"He was a good cook and had worked as a chef in hotels and pubs. He was always keen to cook meals for his family and his friends.

"His family would like to thank so many people who have contact them to express their condolences. It is a comfort to the family to know that he meant so much to all those people.

"His family are obviously deeply shocked by the suddenness and circumstances of his death."

Vivian was a resident of a supported housing facility known as Ross Foyer, where the incident is said to have taken place and has been the cause of controversy in the past.

Read the full story in this week's Ross Gazette.