Terry Matthews is Wales's richest man

Matthews, the Canadian-based owner of Newbridge Networks, who recently sold his Alcatel communications business, saw his wealth grow by �5m on the previous year.

Originally from Newbridge in south Wales, the entrepreneur also owns the landmark Celtic Manor Hotel resort near Newport, which is bidding to host the Ryder Cup in 2009.

Twenty people from Wales feature in this year's list of the UK's 1,000 super-rich - two more than last year.

Singer Tom Jones, who has reinvented his career by teaming up with Welsh pop stars such as Cerys Matthews and The Stereophonics, doubled his earnings to �100m.

Swedish greetings card manufacturer Anders Hedlund made Wales his home and is a new entrant, making �95m from his firm International Greetings.

Albert Gubay Food, which also deals in retailing and property, follows Matthews in second place, on �755m, while Penarth-born publishing mogul David Sullivan earned �500m million.

Tom Jones doubled his fortune

Electronics and engineering business people did particularly well in the list. Entrants need �35 million to qualify.

The combined wealth of the 1,000 featured entrants is �157.69 bn- almost �12bn more than last year, but a rise of 8 per cent, one of the smallest increases in the list's 13-year life.

The survey shows people in the worlds of sport, media and publishing are beginning to make the sorts of money once the preserve of Americans.

Boxer Lennox Lewis weighed in with �75m and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling netted a �65m fortune.