THE last surviving founder member of the Farmers' Union of Wales, Mr Llew Jones, has died at the age of 92.

Leading the tributes FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “We are deeply saddened by the news and our thoughts and warmest regards are with family at this very difficult time. Mr Jones’s passing marks the end of an era for the FUW and he will always be remembered for his role in the formation of the FUW during 1955.”

Glyn Roberts added that even at the age of 92, Llew continued to take great interest in the FUW until his final days.

In addition to being past chairman and president of the Carmarthenshire FUW county executive, Llew Jones was also a past president of the county YFC movement, a past chairman and president of the Welsh Black Cattle Society, a past member of the advisory committee of Pwellpeiran Experimental Husbandry Farm and a past member of the BBC Agricultural Advisory Committee.

Llew Jones was made a deacon of his local chapel in Cilycwm during 1957 and was a precentor since 1954. He also served as chairman of governors at Cilycwm, Cynghordy and Myddfai county primary schools. Llew was awarded the MBE in the 1998 New Year Honours.

“It was an enormous privilege to have known and to have worked with Llew. He had a great passion for Welsh agriculture and the rural way of life, especially the Welsh language.

“Llew always held great passion for the FUW and everything which the union stood for and I, and everyone else who had the privilege of knowing him, will greatly miss his wise and passionate counsel,” added Glyn Roberts.

Llew Jones is survived by his son Emyr, who runs the family farm at Clunmawr in Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery and daughter Rhian. His wife, Buddug, predeceased him.