The sports editor of the Llanelli Star came in for some plaudits when he appeared on a TV show to chat about his 30 years at the paper.

Journalist Barrie Thomas joined TV presenters Lyn Ebenezer and Ray Gravell on their show P’nawn Da to talk about his work.

Presenter and former rugby player Ray said: “I was fortunate to be starting my career with Llanelli when Barrie was doing the same with the Llanelli Star.

“As a player you expect to be criticised but whatever Barrie wrote we accepted and respected.

“He put it down as it happened and despite being a Llanelli boy, he never showed any bias towards anyone.”

Among the memories Barrie shared were when he spotted a 10-year-old Jonathan Davies, interviewing Damon Hill and Jenson Button before they were famous, and seeing major events such as boxer Colin Jones winning the British welterweight title.

Over the years he has also formed close relationships with many sports personalities, some of who attended a special party to celebrate his three decades with the paper.

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