Robin Jones, S4C's first presenter, dies at 71

Presenter Robin Jones at the launch of S4C in 1982

Robin Jones, the first presenter to appear on the Welsh language channel S4C, has died at the age of 71.

Mr Jones helped to launch S4C in 1982, and he was also a newsreader for BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru.

S4C said he made a "huge contribution", was a favourite with viewers and was "hugely respected" in broadcasting.

He was originally from north Wales and had lived since the beginning of the 1960s in Cardiff. He leaves his wife, Eirlys, and two daughters.

He was also a presenter with the Welsh language news programme Heddiw, which was on BBC Wales before S4C began.

He began his career as a teacher in Prestatyn before moving into broadcasting, which lasted more than 40 years.

S4C said: "It is with profound sadness that we heard of the death of Robin Jones.

"He was a cornerstone of the S4C service in the early, pioneering days of the channel and made a huge contribution as one of our first announcers.

"With his warm and natural presentation style and his thorough professionalism, he was a favourite among viewers and was hugely respected by the broadcasting industry.

"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family."