A MID Wales farmer who has played a prominent role in Welsh public life for decades is the new High Sheriff of Powys.

Tom Jones, of Dolanog, near Llanfair Caereinion has held senior level positions in the voluntary sector, broadcasting, agriculture and rural development for more than 40 years.

He said he was "proud" to have been appointed by the Queen during her Platinum Jubilee year.

Mr Jones began his duties as the High Sheriff of Powys at a Declaration Ceremony held at his home, Plascoch, on April 13 which was led by Lord Lieutenant of Powys Tia Jones and witnessed by Nerys Jones JP.

A Vice President of Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Mr Jones will concentrate his support on voluntary activities which build bridges between communities, rural and urban within Powys, between senior and young citizens, and especially, this year, in welcoming war refugees into the county.

He is also the Presiding Druid of the Powys Eisteddfod and will use his role to encourage the appreciation and sharing of the Powys' rich heritage, and its cultural and linguistic diversity.

He will also, as a former Legal Aid Commissioner, support those administering justice in Powys, one of the key formal tasks of a High Sheriff.

During the declaration ceremony, an address was given by His Honour Judge Milwyn Jarman QC, in the presence of Dr Caroline Turner, Chief Executive of Powys County Council, Jamie Burt, Chair of PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations), former High Sheriffs Peter James, Ann Tudor and David Peate, together with other members of the Judiciary and his family.

Mr Jones has appointed Beryl Vaughan as chaplain and Philip Evans as his Under Sheriff.

The 12-month role involves being appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Privy Council.

Mr Jones, an agriculturalist and founding Chair of the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust, will also be presented as an Honorary Fellow at Aberystwyth University during graduation week in July.