A leading agriculturalist from Donalog has been recognised with an honorary Fellowship from Aberystwyth University, 50 years after he graduated from the same institution.

Tom Jones, OBE, was presented as Honorary Fellow by the university on July 14 as part of the institutions 2022 honours list.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Jones said: “It’s been 52 years since I graduated, so it’s a long time back, and to be recognised by my university for what I’ve done in my life over that span is a tremendous privilege and I’m very grateful to the university for nominating me.”

He graduated from Aberystwyth University in 1970 with a degree in History and Welsh History.

In the 50 years since, he has held senior level positions in the voluntary sector, broadcasting, agriculture and rural development, including as the first chair of the National Lotteries Charities Board in Wales and founding chair of the Millenium Stadium Charities Trust.

Mr Jones also held senior office in the Farmers Union of Wales, served as President of the Wales Young Farmers Movement, and was a Governor of the Welsh Agricultural College.

In the early 1990s, he was a member of the Edwards Review of National Parks, was Commissioner for Legal Aid for England and Wales, and a UK member of the European Economic and Social Council.

In 2021 Mr Jones was elected as the head of European Rural Community Alliance and in 2022 was appointed as the High Sheriff of Powys.

Speaking on his University experience prepared him for his career, he added: “The history process taught me about how you analyse information, weighing up what is fact and what is fiction, as well as how to be succinct in how you present evidence and information.

“The representative side, being a member of the student council for two years, taught me how to work with students and college authorities, how to bring balance between them and how to be a representative.

“I learnt a lot here which stood me in good stead in my career.”

Professor Iain Donnison of Aberystwyth University said: “From his student days at Aberystwyth University, Tom has been representing communities both locally and globally; and making partnerships work for the benefit of both those that live in the countryside and the city.”