THE leader of the National Eisteddfod of Wales and a former male voice choir musical director are among those being presented with honorary fellowships by Glyndwr University.

Welsh poet T. James Jones, Eisteddfod leader and Archdruid of Wales, and Ann Atkinson, who spent seven years from 2002 as musical director of the Fron choir, will receive their fellowships in ceremonies at the university’s Wrexham campus.

Mr Jones is being given a fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to safeguarding the Welsh language and Miss Atkinson, of Corwen, for her services to music.

Local business and industry stalwart Russell Bromley, Barrie Jones, editorial director of newspaper group NWN Media, and former Wrexham mayor Arwel Jones will also collect honorary fellowships at the university’s annual awards ceremonies which start today.

Professor Michael Scott, vice-chancellor of Glyndwr University, paid tribute to all five fellows.

He said: “Glyndwr University is proud to be a university for North East Wales, dedicated to serving the needs of the local community and the people of Wrexham and we’re delighted this year to be able to recognise five individuals who have contributed so much to the region.

“All are distinguished figures within their respective fields and industries and are to be congratulated on their achievements.”

The award of honorary fellowships for Mr Jones and Ms Atkinson comes ahead of the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Wrexham in August 2011, where both will play a key role.

Mr Jones, an Aberystwyth University graduate and former script editor on the S4C soap Pobl Y Cwm, will preside over three ceremonies as head of the Gorsedd of the Bards. Miss Atkinson has been appointed conductor of the 2011 National Eisteddfod Choir.

Cllr Jones, who is being honoured for his contribution to education and the Welsh language, is a native of Rhos and recently completed his year of office as mayor of Wrexham.

Former company director and research and development technologist Mr Bromley, of Congleton, collaborated with Glyndwr University academics for many years as it grew its Knowledge Transfer Partnership Provision and is honoured for his contribution to university-industry links.

Barrie Jones, who collects an honorary fellowship for his services to journalism and education, has worked in local journalism in North East Wales and Cheshire for 27 years.

The honorary fellows join hundreds of graduates who will collect undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across five awards ceremonies at Glyndwr University this week.

For a full list of graduands – turn to page 14 of today's Leader.