Image caption Dr Meredydd Evans has been described as a committed Welsh language campaigner

The former head of BBC Wales' light entertainment, Dr Meredydd Evans, has died at the age of 95.

A Welsh language campaigner, performer and historian of Welsh folk music, Dr Evans died after a short illness.

At the BBC he developed performers such as Ryan Davies and the Hennessys and later helped establish television channel S4C.

Originally from Tanygrisiau near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dr Evans leaves a wife and daughter.

Dr Evans had lived in Cwmystwyth, Ceredigion, since the 1970s.

'Much-loved'

Sian Gwynedd, head of Welsh language programmes and services at BBC Wales, said Dr Evans had created "comedy classics that linger in the memory".

She added: "Dr Meredydd Evans will be remembered as a nationalist, a language campaigner and an expert in Welsh folk music."

Jamie Bevan, chairman of the Welsh language society, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, said: "Wales has lost a giant today.

"Mered was a committed campaigner for the Welsh language and was an advocate of non-violent direct action.

"Without doubt, he was one of the dearest people known and his love for the language and culture inspired a whole nation."

S4C authority chairman, Huw Jones, said Dr Evans "provided inspiration and leadership in the campaign which led to the setting up of S4C".

He added: "He was a unique, significant and much-loved figure in the cultural life of Wales."