Tributes have been paid to a Second World War hero and Aberystwyth stalwart who died this week, just a month short of his 101st birthday.

Walford Hughes MBE passed away at Cartref Tregerddan in Bow Street. He was remembered as a “character”, and a “wonderful man” who will be “greatly missed”.

Mr Hughes took part in many campaigns during the Second World War, culminating in him being part of the ’Forgotten Army’ that served in the Far East and in Burma in particular.

Never forgetting what he and his comrades went through in Burma, Mr Hughes became the national secretary of the Burma Star Association.

The association promotes the comradeship experienced during the Second World War in Burma and supports the veterans of the campaign and their widows or widowers.

Mr Hughes was later awarded the MBE for his “conscientious and diligent work” for the association.

Ceredigion Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Paul Hinge, who has known Mr Hughes for more than 50 years, said it was “very sad news”.

“Walford was Ceredigion’s oldest surviving Burma veteran. He was incredibly proud of serving his county, and dedicated his life to looking after the people who served in the Burma campaign. He was a character and a man who strived to make sure that those who served in the ‘Forgotten Army’ were always front and centre at all commemorative events.

“Only last August he had a one-on-one discussion with the First Minister which was recorded and broadcast – wonderful enriching stories.

“All of us who have met him are that much richer for having met him.”

Outside of the Army, Mr Hughes, a committed Christian, worked as a teacher across the UK before setting up home in Borth and then Bow Street.