A PROMINENT Ruthin figure and the father of Hollywood star Rhys Ifans has died.

Tributes have been delivered to Eirwyn Evans, who died on New Year's Eve.

Mr Evans was married to Beti Wyn and he had two sons, Rhys and Llyr.

Ruthin councillor Emrys Wynne said Mr Evans' passing would be felt by many individuals, groups and most of all his family. "He served his town well as a Plaid Cymru town councillor for many years and he was greatly involved in establishing the twinning arrangement between Ruthin and Briec de l'Odet," said Cllr Wynne.

"Eirwyn gave much of his time practically and freely to the performing arts in Ruthin and with the youth theatre in Mold.

"He would act the leading parts in polished productions by Cymdeithas Ddrama Rhuthun (Ruthin Drama Society) and he was instrumental in establishing Theatr John Ambrose, as a member of the committee that saw the project come into fruition and as chairman of the theatre's governing committee for many years.

"Eirwyn was also a member of the team that established Y Bedol in the 1970s and he ensured that this monthly Welsh newspaper for the Ruthin area was always available for the readers on the third Saturday of the month.

"It should be remembered that during most of this time, Eirwyn was a highly respected primary school teacher in Buckley before retiring.

"My heartfelt condolences are with Eirwyn's family.

"Ruthin, Wales and Welsh culture have lost a great man."

Gruff Hughes, chairman of Y Bedol newspaper and Ruthin Twinning Association secretary, said: "Eirwyn Evans was one of the founder members of Y Bedol, the Ruthin and District Welsh community paper run by volunteers.

"He was heavily involved in its conception and its creation and until recently still had a monthly round where he delivered Y Bedol to be distributed in a number of villages in the area.

"He was present at last January's anniversary buffet, celebrating Y Bedol's 40th anniversary, as an honoured guest.

"Eirwyn was also one of the founder members of the Ruthin Twinning Association and he was a committed member of the committee.

"He and (his wife) Bet visited Briec on numerous occasions and enjoyed hosting our Breton friends when they visited Ruthin.

"It was from the Ruthin Twinning Association that the Ruthin Festival was conceived and Eirwyn played an integral part in its creation and in its running for many years.

"His commitment to any committee he belonged to was always 100 per cent.

"If you wanted anything done you asked Eirwyn and you knew you could rely on it being done without any fuss."