“He was one of the best commentators in the world” is one of the many tributes paid to Bill Jones, also known as ‘Bill the Corrin’, who has passed away following a year-long battle with cancer.

Tributes have been flooding in for the highly regarded shearing commentator and former Wales team manager from Corrin Farm, Garth, who died on Sunday, March 17, at Glan Irfon, in Builth Wells.

Chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Steve Hughson paid tribute to the “well-known character” who served with the society for many years.

“Bill’s connections with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society go back many years,” Mr Hughson said.

“A highly regarded member of our shearing committee and chair of the organising committee which bought the Shearing World Championships to the Royal Welsh Show in 2010, Bill was also team manager for the Welsh Shearing and Woolhandling Team in 2014/15. Bill was also a dedicated Royal Welsh steward and commentator and a well-known character, renowned throughout the shearing community both in the UK and across the world.”

He added: “Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and our thoughts go out to his family as this very sad time.”

Tributes have come from as far afield as New Zealand, where Bill was invited to commentate.

Martin David, from Shearing Sports Wales, said: “The Welsh shearing family has lost a great friend. He was a genuine bloke who had so much passion and pride in shearing.

Bill is survived by his wife Gayle, their children Samantha and Stuart, and grandchildren Noah and Ava.