RAY Reardon could posthumously receive the freedom of Blaenau Gwent this week but he isn’t the only local snooker legend to be sadly missed after dying this year.

Ron ‘Jammy’ Jones died in April and has been remembered by friends and fellow snooker players as one of the finest amateur players that Wales has produced.

The Rhymney potter was Welsh champion in 1990 and 1992 while he was runner-up in 1988, 1994, 1996 and 1998.

Jones represented Wales in the World Championships in Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Jordan and Bahrain and played in the European Championships in nine different countries.

He was the Pontins Champion in 2000 and 2001, and European Senior Champion in 2002. He was successful in the Abertysswg side in the national competition, also in the individual and team events.

“Jammy was the finest amateur snooker player in Wales ever,” said his friend Bob Watkins in tribute. “He did the Welsh flag proud, all over the world and his playing record was unrivalled.

“I first met Jammy in the early days when he was playing snooker for Phillipstown Stute and myself playing for Bargoed Stute. Even then he was a class player, and his laid back personality made him popular with most.

“Obviously his prowess on the snooker table was well known in this country, Europe and abroad. What a career for a person who throughout his life worked hard and achieved so much.

“It’s amazing that a simple game of snooker can create such lasting friendships. He commentated on his prowess on the table and how he simplified the complex game to become one of the very best.”