A prominent Ceredigion presenter is to hang up his flat cap after 50 years in front of the camera.
Dai Jones ‘Llanilar’ has announced he is to retire after 50 years following a long spell of illness.
Speaking on his decision, Dai said: “I would like to thank everybody for welcoming me into their homes and lives over the years.
“For half a century I have had the honour of opening the door on all the treasures of the Welsh countryside – the characters, the communities and not forgetting livestock of the highest standard.
“I have had a whale of a time and consider myself a very lucky man to have been able to do this for so long.
“But the time has finally come to hang up my wellies. You’re a millionaire if you have good health, and this is truer now than ever.
“I’ve said it many times – it is the young people who are the future of our countryside. I hope they get the same opportunities now as I did when I started on my great adventure.
“Thanks to everybody for sharing that journey with me – thanks for the good times, the welcome and the joy – it has been a balm to the soul, and the memories are those I will treasure forever.”
Dai has hosted an array of shows throughout his career, including Sion a Sian, Noson Lawen, Rasus, Y Sioe Fawr and Cefn Gwlad, which he has fronted since 1983.
Amanda Rees, S4C’s director of content paid tribute to Dai, saying: “There is no doubt about it, when it comes to the list of Wales’s best broadcasters, Dai Jones, Llanilar is at the top.
“He has a natural talent for getting the best out of people, using his wit and natural warmth to introduce so many unforgettable characters to us during his career.
“In Cefn Gwlad, he created a unique brand, creating a sensitive portrayal of the people that he met without using conventional interview techniques.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Dai for your priceless contribution and for bringing a smile to the faces of us, the viewers, throughout the decades.”
A special programme, Dathlu Dai, looking back at his career, will be screened on S4C on 1 January at 8pm.