Opera singer backs rural campaign

CPRW said they were delighted by Bryn Terfel's support

Opera singer Bryn Terfel is to become the first patron of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW).

The campaign's mission is to protect the beauty and diversity of Wales' landscapes and quality of rural life.

CPRW president, Glyn Davies, said he was "honoured and delighted" the star had agreed to support and spread the campaign's messages.

The singer is well-known for his love of his home country, and lives near his childhood home in Gwynedd.

"We are absolutely honoured and delighted that Bryn has chosen to support our work in this way," said Mr Davies.

Anniversary

"We look forward to him sharing his passion for Wales, and love of its countryside and heritage with us," he added.

Mr Terfel's involvement is very important to spread the CPRW's message, of 'Look and Learn, Care and Keep, Influence and Improve', Mr Davies said.

The appointment of the patron coincides with the CPRW's 80th anniversary.

Mr Davies said many of the challenges facing the countryside were "as great" as they were 80 years ago.

"The need to protect the beauty and diversity of Wales' landscapes and the quality of life in rural areas are still as relevant today as they were in 1928," he added.

The CPRW's headquarters are in Welshpool, Powys.

Faenol Festival

Bryn Terfel has not forgotten his Welsh roots.

He lives with his wife, Leslie, and their three sons in the village of Bontnewydd, near Caernarfon, Gwynedd and has founded his own music event, the Faenol Festival - held each August near Bangor.

Stars of opera, pop and the West End have braved the temperamental Gwynedd weather to entertain the crowds over the years.