A leading figure in agriculture from Montgomeryshire who has dedicated more than 40 years to public life has been announced as an Honorary Fellow by Aberystwyth University.

Tom Jones, from Dolanog, near Welshpool said he was “very proud and very grateful” for being recognised by his alma mater.

Aberystwyth University Honorary Fellowships are presented to individuals who have or have had a connection with Aberystwyth or Wales, and who have made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field.

Mr Jones has played a prominent role in public life in Wales for ore than 40 years, holding senior level positions in the voluntary sector, broadcasting, agriculture and rural development.

A member of the Edwards Review of National Parks in the early 1990s, he was the first Chair of the National Lottery Charities Board in Wales and founding Chair of the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust. He has held senior office in the Farmers Union of Wales, served as President of the Wales Young Farmers Movement, and a Governor of the Welsh Agricultural College, prior to its incorporation into Aberystwyth University.

He was also Commissioner for Legal Aid for England and Wales for 10 years, and a member of the European Economic and Social Council for 13 years, during which time he took many Aberystwyth to shadow him in Brussels.

Mr Jones added: “It’s been a very happy and long relationship from my days as a student. During the time I was there I was on the Student’s Union Council, and they made me an honorary life member.

“I came home to farm and the taste of representation as a student council member stayed with me and when opportunities came along after that I went into public life.

“I’ve put all that down to the experience I had at the university representing students in those early days.”

Leading figures from the arts, broadcasting, law, agriculture, and the science and technology sectors are amongst new Honorary Fellows announced by Aberystwyth University including Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens DBE and His Honour Judge Nicholas Cooke QC.

The new Honorary Fellows will be presented during the University’s annual graduation ceremonies, which are due to take place during the second week in July, 2022, Covid-19 allowing.

Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome 10 new Honorary Fellows to the Aberystwyth University family, all of whom have either studied here or have contributed significantly to the University’s success and to Wales. The diversity of the Fellows’ areas of expertise further underlines the University’s enduring influence, both in Wales and beyond.”