ONE of the best-known figures on the Welsh eisteddfod scene has died at the age of 90.

Dr Aled Lloyd Davies, who was head of Ysgol Maes Garmon, Mold, for 20 years until his retirement in 1985, had been a resident at the Plas Derwen Nursing home in Penyffordd, near Holywell, for several years.

Mr Davies, who was a member of the Gorsedd of the National Eisteddfod, was a native of Brithdir, near Dolgellau in Gwynedd.

He began his teaching career in Birkenhead after graduating at Aberystwyth University.

He then moved to Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin, and while there formed the party Meibion Menlli, who became one of the most popular and successful concert parties in Wales.

Over 30 years, they performed in more than 500 concerts throughout Britain and overseas and won numerous awards at the National Eisteddfod and Cerdd Dant Festival.

After moving to Ysgol Maes Garmon in 1965, Mr Davies had a close association with the equally talented musician Rhys Jones, who was the school’s deputy head. Mr Jones died in 2015.

While living in Mold he played a prominent part in the community, being a deacon and precentor at Bethesda Presbyterian Chapel.

Mr Davies, who was acknowledged as one of the leading authorities on the traditional Welsh singing of cerdd dant, was chairman of the executive committee of the Mold National Eisteddfod in 1991.

He served as chairman of the Eisteddfod Council and president of the Eisteddfod Court, and was one of only a handful people to be made a Fellow of the Eisteddfod, the highest honour it could bestow.

In 2013, he published his autobiography titled “Pwyso ar y Giat” (“Leaning on the Gate”) in which he wrote: “Music has been a constant in my life, from Cerdd Dant to getting heavily involved in the National Eisteddfod.

Paying tribute to him, Cymdeithas Steddfodau (Eisteddfod Community) wrote on Twitter: "Sad news about Dr Aled Lloyd Davies. Thanks to his vision, the Welsh Eisteddfod Association was founded over twenty years ago.

"A special and inspirational man who made an invaluable contribution to Welsh culture. We send our deepest condolences to the whole family."

The National Library added: "Dr Aled Lloyd Davies' contribution to the social and cultural life of Wales was considerable and he will be sorely missed."