Renowned Welsh broadcaster and journalist, Dei Tomos, will officially open this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is delighted that Radio Cymru’s trusted former voice of farming and rural affairs has agreed to perform the ceremony.

A household name across Wales, Dei has reported and reflected on the issues at the heart of Welsh agriculture and its deep significance to the nation for more than 40 years.

He has presented a wide range of programmes, earning admiration for his probing style, deep knowledge of rural Wales, and dedication to the agricultural community.

Dei has earned several awards, including the 2015 Netherthorpe Award from the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists and multiple Farmers’ Union of Wales Bob Davies Memorial Awards for his acclaimed radio programmes highlighting rural issues.

He was also nominated Welsh Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Celtic Media Festival in 2015 and is an honorary fellow of Bangor University.

Dei’s career also included roles in youth education and TV, co-presenting farming series in both Welsh and English and fronting countryside and adventure programmes for S4C in its early years.

Before broadcasting, he was deputy head of the Urdd’s Glan-llyn centre and a Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team member. Dei also compered main stages at the National and Urdd Eisteddfodau and presented the first live TV coverage from the Royal Welsh Show.

“We are honoured that Dei Tomos will be opening this year’s Show,” said RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones.

“His work has highlighted the important role that farming communities play in our national story, culture and heritage.

“We look forward to welcoming him to Llanelwedd and to hearing his reflections at this special moment for Caernarfonshire, his home county.”

The official opening ceremony will take place at 10am on Monday, July 21, outside the President’s Pavilion.