ONE of Wales’ most colourful and popular characters, the much-loved Dai Jones of Llanilar, has published his autobiography telling his story over the past 20 years.

A Life to Dai For, published in English by Y Lolfa, follows the twists and turns of Dai’s career over the last two decades as a farmer, presenter, and one of Wales’ most popular broadcasters.

The book was co-written with his close friend, Lyn Ebenezer.

“We in the media have to be careful what we say. We can’t always express openly what we feel,” said Dai, “but here I can be as blunt and honest as I like.”

Having already well surpassed God’s promised age, Dai is still farming, still entertaining the masses on both radio and television, but has recently given up his singing career.

He is as popular as ever as a presenter who is one of our foremost guides to country life.

In A Life to Dai For he introduces us to more characters – individuals he has met throughout Wales and worldwide.

He takes us to Patagonia and North America, Europe and Egypt. And he opens our eyes to some of the unsung glories of Wales.

Dai believes in visiting faraway places, so that he can return home to Wales. As he puts it, “If you don’t go, you won’t come back!”

As a result of his huge contribution to agriculture and the media he has received numerous honours over the years, including a Wales BAFTA Fellowship and an honorary Masters of Arts from the University of Wales.

See the full story in this week’s south edition