HUNDREDS of mourners attended the funeral of sporting legend Ken Jones yesterday.

Mr Jones died last week at his Newport home at the age of 84 after a long illness.

He was best known as one of Wales' greatest-ever rugby players, an exciting winger who made his name at Newport RFC in the 1940s and 1950s, scoring 145 tries in 292 games.

He also enjoyed success with Wales and the British Lions, and was a world-class athlete, winning a silver sprint medal at the 1948 London Olympics.

Mr Jones' funeral was held in his home town of Blaenavon, at St Peter's Church, followed by burial at Blaenavon Cemetery.

Ken's only son Philip Jones said the family have been "overwhelmed" at the tributes for his father.

"We have had a lot of really nice tributes from all over the world," he said. "It is very nice to know how many people remember dad."

Tributes have been pouring in since Mr Jones died on Tuesday.

Ken Cable, of Treharris, said Mr Jones served with his brother Tom Cable in India, and the two played together in the RAF rugby team. Ken Jones tried to make Tom join Newport Athletic Club but he declined.

Tom became a steward at Manchester United FC and tragically died in the Munich air disaster of 1958.

Blaenavon-born Fran-cis Willis emailed from South Australia with his memories of Mr Jones.

He said: "Having moved from Blaenavon to London at the tender age of four, it was always a pleasure during the fifties and sixties to return for long summer holidays; a pleasure enhanced by catching sight of the 'great' Ken Jones."

Mr Willis said one of his proudest moments was getting Mr Jones' autograph at a Newport match in the 1950s.