AN ABERYSTWYTH actor and fundraiser will lead the town’s St David’s Day Parade this year in recognition of his “contribution and support of Welsh language culture, his humour and impressive charity work”.

Glan Davies has been chosen to lead Aberystwyth’s 2017 Parêd Gwyl Dewi as ‘Tywysydd’ (guide) - an honour given every year at the Parêd to a local Aberystwyth person for their “commitment and dedication to Wales and the Welsh language and life.”

Born in Brynaman, Carmarthenshire, Glan left school at 15 and became a surveyor before moving to Aberystwyth in 1970.

He’s spent his life entertaining people – first with drama companies at the chapel and Urdd and then with the popular ‘Pinaclau Pop’ and ‘Nosweithiau Llawen’ of the 1960s and 70s.

Glan has worked with Sian Phillips, Ronnie Barker, Ken Dodd, Little and Large, Mike Doyle and Max Boyce, and presented Hob y Deri Dando for TV in the 1960s.

Glan said he was “very proud” to have been chosen.

“There are three things which are very close to my heart; rugby, collecting jokes and raising money for charities,” he said.

“I also believe that we now have to look after our own communities and the Welsh language and encourage others to learn the language."

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online now