A WELSH charity’s month-long celebration of Wales and all things Welsh has gained support from some high-profile Welsh personalities.

Alex Jones, Aled Jones, Roy Noble, Ruth Madoc and international record-holding rugby goal kicker Paul Thorburn are backing Age Cymru’s Big Welsh Month campaign.

The Big Welsh Month will be launched on Sunday March 1 – St David’s Day. Age Cymru is Wales’ largest older people’s charity and it is running the Big Welsh Month to help raise funds to support its work with older people.

To kick off Big Welsh Month, Age Cymru asked some well-known personalities to tell it why they love Wales.

TV presenter Alex Jones said:“I love Wales for many reasons - it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world."

Aled Jones said his love of music was one of the reasons why he loves Wales.

“Being Welsh I have always been surrounded by music and a passion for music," he added.

“From singing at Bangor Cathedral, Eisteddfodau, performing in front of Pope John Paul II and the Queen and on the West End stage, music has given me some incredible and unforgettable experiences in life."

Broadcaster Roy Noble said he loves the friendliness of Wales.

“We are warmly inquisitive, nosey perhaps, but only out of genuine interest," he said.

Richard Nicholls, Age Cymru’s director of income resources said: “We’re asking the people of Wales to get involved, celebrate Wales and everything that’s Welsh, and have fun while helping Age Cymru to help older people across Wales.

How to get involved with Big Welsh Month: Providing it’s safe and legal, anything goes, but to get you going here are a few ideas: Wear your Six Nations colours - Ask your friends and colleagues to wear their national colour with pride for the day.

Six Nations day - Why not have a rugby themed party and raise money for Age Cymru at the same time?

What do you know? Hold a Welsh themed quiz night.

The Welsh cake bake-off - Who can bake the best Welsh cakes? Either follow our recipe in the fundraising pack or use your own.

You can download a fundraising pack in English or Welsh from the Age Cyrmu website – www.agecymru.org.uk - or contact them at fundraising@agecymru.org.uk if you would like a pack sent in the post to you.

Use the hashtag #bigwelshmonth or e-mail pictures to Age Cymru of any activities held.