Former Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Geraint Howells has died at the age of 79.

After starting his working life as a farmer, his political career began when he was elected to Cardiganshire County Council in 1952, and became instrumental in gaining recognition for the Farmers' Union of Wales from the agriculture minister during the 1970s Labour-Liberal pact.

He was first elected as MP for the constituency of Cardigan in February 1974 and held the seat after boundary changes in 1983.

His time as leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats was the party's most successful, with three MPs in parliament - it currently has two in Lembit Opik and Roger Williams.

"He played a big part in winning those seats by bringing in the country vote," said Mike German, Lib Dem leader in the Cardiff assembly.

"He had this amazing magical personality that attracted the voters, as well as being a fierce, vigorous advocate of the countryside.

"He was particularly passionate about keeping the traditional markets and was still writing to me about that when I was minister for rural affairs."

Another victory for Howells was having the rules of behaviour for the Commons public gallery available in Welsh.

He lost his seat in 1992 to Plaid Cymru, but was appointed Baron Geraint of Ponterwyd and became an active member of the House of Lords.