Tributes have been paid to a Plaid Cymru councillor who played an instrumental role in developing Gwynedd’s Welsh language policies.

Maldwyn Lewis, from Penrhyndeudraeth, died yesterday at the age of 93 following a short illness.

Mr Lewis was one of the founding fathers of the Plaid Cymru group on Gwynedd Council in the 1970s.

Mr Lewis’ son, Dewi, who owns Siop Dewi in Penrhyndeudraeth, wrote on Facebook: "With a heavy heart we share the sad news that we as a family have lost our father.

"At 93 years old the past councillor Maldwyn Lewis died following a short illness. A proud Welshman. Sleep in peace Dad."

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts said he was "a key figure in establishing Gwynedd’s pioneering language policies".

"The vitality of the Welsh language is a vocal testimony to the courage of Maldwyn and a small crew of Plaid Cymru councillors, officers and head teachers in the 1970s," she added.