As master of ceremonies at innumerable simchahs over the years, Harry Poloway has made sure the glasses were charged and the band was ready. But, on Sunday, one of the last Jews of Newport was the centre of attention at a party to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Local MP Paul Flynn, and the Dean of Monmouth, Lister Tonge, who recited grace before meals in Hebrew, were among the 200 guests honouring the veteran toastmaster, who officiated at civic and royal functions in the area for more half-a-century.

In the 1970s, he even accompanied the Queen and Prince Philip overseas on a state visit to the United States. In 2002, at a celebration to mark Newport's recognition as a city, when the Queen was running late, he managed to juggle the schedule to enable her to get back on track - displaying the characteristic unflappability which earned him a letter from the grateful sovereign.