A former journalist and PR man who went on to become a lay preacher in retirement has died aged 78.

James Mansel Jones, pictured, worked a journalist for the Western Mail, Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Evening Post before going into public relations.

In that capacity he worked for HTV Cymru, S4C and British Steel, eventually retiring as head of regional affairs for ITV Wales in 2006.

Mansel, who was born in Carmarthenshire but had lived in Cardiff since 1972, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on March 28, aged 78.

Paying tribute, his son Paul Carey Jones said: “For many years, he was the face and heart of the HTV stand at the National Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show. After his retirement, his work as a lay preacher in chapels and churches across south Wales developed into an important element of his life.”

“He was extremely proud of his family, his wife Kathleen, his three sons, his daughters-in-law and his grandchildren.

“Mansel had a profound influence on the lives of so many people in Wales throughout his career, and his work, his legacy and his memory live on.

“He remained at home in Rhiwbina through most of his illness, constantly surrounded by his family and friends, and we are grateful for the care he received from Velindre Hospital, Ty Llandaff, City Hospice, and the many home carers who gave him so much help and kindness.”