SOME of the big guns of Welsh politics turned out on St David’s Day to support the campaign to build a statue in memory of Blaenavon sporting legend Ken Jones.

At a unique event in the House of Commons, former Labour Party leader Lord Kinnock and Torfaen MP Paul Murphy both spoke to give their warm support for the appeal.

They were joined by Blaenavon-born rugby international Terry Cobner.

A delegation from Blaenavon had travelled to London for the event, aimed at getting the appeal some national publicity.

Mayor of Blaenavon councillor Stuaart Evans and appeal secrtetary Alan Jones were among the 24 who made the journey.

Also there were residents and schoolchildren, from Blaenavon Heritage School, who had made a video about Ken Jones as part of a school project.

The group was given a tour of Parliament before being addressed by Lord Kinnock.

The former Islwyn MP said: “Take all the modern heroes you can think of and roll them into one and you have some idea of what Ken Jones meant to people of my generation. Ken was a part of the healthy rugby rivalry between our valley communities.

However, the respect for the greats like Ken transcended that and rugby fans from right across Wales and beyond can unite to pay tribute to him.”

Lord Kinnock then recalled some of Ken Jones’ greatest achievements, including a 50-yard try for the Lions against the All- Blacks, scoring the winning try for Wales against the same opposition in 1953, and, upon his retirement from international rugby, Ken was the most capped international player in world history.

Lord Kinnock added: “Yet at the same time, he was also a top-class athlete.

At that time, to have someone who we knew to be from our valleys on the newsreels was quite remarkable. I also remember him as an engaging sports writer. Of course, such memories need sustaining.

"Generations to come should be told about Ken. I’m therefore grateful for your efforts and greatly admire that you’ve got up and done something to make that happen.”