A CHURCH organist who has played the pipes for 70 years was rewarded for his tireless efforts.

Arthur Jones, 86, of Denby Road, has been the organist at St Stephens Church in Pill, for the last 35 years, and before that he played at St Julians Church for another 35.

Recently he was presented with an award by the Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry Morgan at a ceremony in Bangor.

Mr Jones said: "It was a certificate of merit in recognition of loyal service to church music in the principality of Wales, I was very proud to receive it.

"I'm not sure who put me forward for it but I think it was the vicar of St Stephens, Rev Edward Jones."

Mr Jones was born in Newport and has lived in the area his whole life.

He is married to Hilda, they have three sons and one daughter, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Before he retired at age 62 he was a clerical officer for 45 years.

He began singing in the church choir when he was 10, and began standing in for the church organist when he was a teenager.

Mr Jones's favourite music to play is Elgar's Nimrod variations.

He said: "l started learning piano when I was 10, they knew I could play and so I began playing the organ when I was 16.

"I play every Sunday, except for holidays, and on Christmas Day though I now have a deputy who does midnight mass.

"That was how I got my start, it was a week before Christmas when I was 16 that they asked me to play the organ at the church, that was a corker.

"I still play and I still enjoy it, I would say I will keep on doing it."