ONE of Wales’ most famous singers of the last 40 years was in Ebbw Vale yesterday, where she was unveiled as a patron of a food distribution charity.

Pontypridd-born Iris Williams OBE, who shot to stardom in the 70s and 80s with hits such as He Was Beautiful and a Welsh language version of Amazing Grace, called Pererin Wyf, visited the Ebbw Vale food bank on Beech Grove.

She was there to accept the role of patron of Festival Church Trust, which has helped distribute 2,100 food parcels from the food bank to needy families in Blaenau Gwent since being launched in 2008.

Families who have received support include those who have had delays in receiving benefits, victims of domestic violence and those surviving on the poverty line.

Ms Williams, 67, who now lives in New York, was contacted by Mountain FM, the charity radio station also run by Festival Church Trust, to get involved in the project and she accepted.

Project manager Adrian Curtis said: “As a well-known face, Iris will highlight what we do, which is particularly important in these times of financial hardship.

“She will be an ambassador, spreading the word and perhaps singing for us and holding concerts to raise funds.”

Ms Williams stopped off in Ebbw Vale on her Welsh tour, visiting the food bank, meeting representatives before being interviewed on Mountain FM yesterday