WELSH TV presenter and farming stalwart Alun Edwards has been recognised for his dedication to the farming industry with the Farmers’ Union of Wales Internal Award for Services to Agriculture at the Royal Welsh Show.

Alun Elidyr, as he is known in the farming community and on the S4C farming series Ffermio, came home to farm at Cae Coch, Rhydymain, Meirionnydd, in 1996, after the sudden loss of his father.

This was after a successful acting career – acting in several drama series such as Coleg, Yr Heliwr, Rownd a Rownd, Tipyn o Stad, and Lleifior.

He was determined to see farming and the way of life carrying on in Cae Coch, and particularly to look after his mother at the time.

Being extremely active in his local branch in Meirionnydd from the start, he became its chairman, and soon county chairman.

Alun was on the FUW’s former Finance and Organisation committee for some years, and worked tremendously hard as chairman of the FUW’s Education and Training committee.

FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “Alun has contributed so much to his local area, but also nationally to the farming industry and has done everything with so much energy and enthusiasm.

“If you want something done, ask a busy person – Alun encapsulates this. A full-time beef and sheep farmer, presenter of one of the most popular agricultural shows on TV, numerous voluntary roles in his local community and on a national level – he does all that with a smile and the biggest welcome."

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