Dr Evans was a trustee of the Noah's Ark Appeal

Dr Emrys Evans, the chairman of the show's management board, turned 80 earlier this year.

He was the senior regional director of the Midland Bank in Wales for several years.

Dr Evans was also a former member of the National Eisteddfod's finance committee and remained a fellow of the festival.

Brought up in Powys, he appeared on one of the first ever Welsh language television advertisements at the very beginning of S4C in 1982.

He was also one of the trustees of the Noah's Ark appeal for a new Children's Hospital in Wales.

Emyr Pugh Jones, who was brought up on the neighbouring farm to Dr Evans, paid tribute to his lifelong friend.

"This is a great loss to the show," he said.

"The show was his life."

The Royal Welsh Show, which is celebrating its centenary, opens in Llanelwedd, Powys, on Monday.