TRIBUTES have poured in for Newport’s legendary toastmaster to the Queen and stars, Harry Poloway, after he died, aged 100.

Mr Poloway has previously hosted ceremonies for Nelson Mandela, the Aga Khan and the Dalai Lama, while acting as master of ceremonies at many weddings and charity events in South Wales.

He was awarded the MBE in 2005 and has also been the official toastmaster for most of the British royal family, appearing at many of Gwent's royal visits.

These include the Queen Mother opening a new extension for the Royal Gwent Hospital and when Princess Margaret opened the Newport Museum.

Ian Haywood, posting on Facebook, said: “I had the privilege of being able to chat to this true gent, when I worked in a chemist.

“His anecdotes were amazing he met so many interesting people through his life but none more interesting than Mr Poloway himself.”

Former Newport Mayor, Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, added on Twitter: “Harry Poloway was a truly remarkable man, a huge personality & a great Newportonian. Will miss you.”

Beginning his career running charity dances after the war, Mr Poloway would later host celebrities ranging from Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Roger Moore to Dame Shirley Bassey.

His role as a ring announcer and member of the British Boxing Board of Control also made him a key figure in Gwent Boxing, presiding over fights involving Tommy Farr, Eddie Thomas and local stars such as Noel Trigg (who later became Mayor of Newport.) Last year, the toastmaster appealed for Gwent people’s memories of events he officiated and had plans to write a book about his life, with a focus on local people’s stories.

He was also made the first honorary member of the Rotary Club of Newport, St Woolos branch, which gave him a “new lease of life”.

Speaking to the Argus in 2015, he said: “I’m a Newport boy and local people are very important to me.”

Canon Mark Soady MStJ, Chaplain of Gwent Council of St John, has paid tribute to Mr Poloway.

He added: "We say goodbye to a great and good man and one I was proud to have known," he said.

"He has served Newport, Gwent and Wales well. Although he mixed with royalty and the stars from the world of showbiz he did not forget his roots.

"We will not see the like of him again.”

If you have any memories of Mr Poloway share them with us by emailing newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk or calling 01633777278.