TRIBUTES to Newport’s legendary toastmaster to the Queen and stars, Harry Poloway are still pouring in after he died last week, aged 100.

The master of ceremonies started his career running charity dances after the war and later hosted lavish royal visits to Gwent, celebrity functions and charity fundraisers.

The self described 'Newport boy' was awarded an MBE in 2005 and also hosted ceremonies for Nelson Mandela, the Aga Khan and the Dalai Lama.

One person he had a big impact on was nurse Jayne Biddiscombe, who met Mr Poloway when he was a patient in the Royal Gwent Hospital in 1999.

After wanting to “give something back” to the nurses of the Royal Gwent, he offered his services at the next appropriate celebration, which turned out to be Mrs Biddiscombe’s wedding at the Celtic Manor.

“The wedding day itself could not have been more perfect," she said. "It was wonderful and Harry added such a spark to the day.

“He was impeccably dressed in his MC suit, truly professional and totally entertaining.

"He had wedding guests in the palm of his hand and led about 20 toasts, making sure he included everyone.”

She added: “We moved away to Somerset a little while after getting married and sadly lost touch with Harry but we still see him every day in a picture of Harry with us on our wedding day.

“People often ask who that smartly dressed man is in the photo, swigging from the champagne bottle.”

Catherine Heanes, aged 87, of Bryncelyn Road, Cwmbran, remembers Mr Holoway when he organised dances at the former Stow Hill Drill Hall, in the 1940s and 1950s.

“He was always smartly dressed and very stately and upright,” she said.

“They were such happy days and it was very sad to hear he passed. I didn’t know he was that age.”

Managing director of Cintec International, Peter James, met Mr Poloway at several functions while serving in the navy reserves and in 2002 when the company was given an award for innovation.

“He was an incredible character and there is a huge following in South Wales for him," he said. "He was the oil that made the machine work."

Gwent Police Special Constabulary Chief Officer, Richard Jones, also paid tribute on Twitter.

He said: “I’m very saddened to hear Harry Poloway has passed away. I’m sure he is up there proposing his toast to his next career at a much bigger table.”

Former Newport Mayor, Cllr Allan Morris, described Mr Poloway as “the best in the business” and a “fine ambassador for our city".

“I most remember and respect Harry for the words he spoke softly into my ear when as Mayor I took the salute from the steps of the Civic Centre at my Mayoral parade,” he said.

“Pointing to the crowd he said 'Look at all those children who have turned out for you in the pouring rain. They are tomorrow’s voters and our future. Look after them'.

“He was proud of our past, but also cared about our future. A true gentleman and a Newport legend.”