THE new National Poet of Wales, Professor Gwyn Thomas, makes his debut visit to the Dylan Thomas Boathouse this month. He will visit the Boathouse in Laugharne on Sunday, February 11.

Gwyn Thomas is Emeritus Professor of Welsh at the University of Wales, Bangor. Born in 1936 in Tanygrisiau and raised in Blaenau Ffestiniog, he was educated at Ysgol Sir Ffestiniog, University of Wales, Bangor, and Jesus College, Oxford. Carmarthenshire County Council principal arts officer Eleri Retallick said: "Gwyn Thomas's translation into English of the Mabinogion is perhaps the finest English-language version of one of the brightest jewels of European literature. "It also represents Gwyn's supreme skills as a communicator on many levels: an academic of the highest order, he can also write delightfully for children.

"In accepting the post of National Poet, Gwyn Thomas hopes to "draw attention to the poets of Wales and their work and try to show that poetry is a unique medium to respond to the world in which we live."

During his afternoon at the boathouse, he will be undertaking a bilingual presentation of a selection of his work, including poetry, his role as National Poet of Wales and discussing his autobiography 'Bywyd Bach'.

Tickets and further details are available by ringing Eleri Retallick on 01267 228236 or 07748 270439.