TRIBUTES have been paid to an international showman and judge from Lampeter who was renowned in the world of poultry.

A minute’s silence was held on the Royal Welsh showground on Tuesday of last week to remember Picton Jones, of Llanwnnen, who died on the eve of the show aged 85.

Best known for reviving interest in the rare Brahma breed, which at one point was on the point of extinction, ‘Pic the Poultry Man’ won his first prize at the age of 10.

It was the start of a remarkable career culminating in the Gold Cup at the National Poultry Show, in London, in 1981 – and an eventual MBE.

Picton Jones’s victory – with a Large Dark Brahma – was the first time the trophy had gone to a Welshman.

Paul Williams, who succeeded Mr Jones as senior steward at the Royal Welsh Show, described him as ‘the king of Welsh poultry’.

A founder member of the Dyfed Poultry Show, he was made an honorary life governor of the Royal Welsh Show in 1998 in recognition of 50 years’ service.

Mr Jones, who died on Saturday, 21 July, is survived by his wife, Helena.

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