Former MP Lord Barry Jones has spoken of the time he met Nelson Mandela, describing the revered statesman as ‘one of the planet’s most illustrious heroes’.

During his time as MP for Alyn and Deeside from 1970-2001, Lord Jones’ career was punctuated with meetings with some of the world’s most iconic people.

But one of his fondest memories came in 1991 at the House of Commons, during his time as a member of Neil Kinnock’s shadow cabinet, when he was briefly introduced to the man who would become South Africa's first black president.

Lord Jones told The Chronicle how Mr Mandela - who had been a free man for only a year when the encounter took place - transformed a somewhat dull meeting into one of the most unforgettable moments of his life.

“I was sat in the gloomy, dispiriting room which reflected the many tense business meetings we routinely had in there and were all chatting away when a large door opened and magically, in strolled Mr Mandela,” remembers Lord Jones.

Lord Barry Jones
Lord Barry Jones

“The gloomy room was suddenly enveloped in what appeared to be a great light.

“He was smiling, tall, athletic looking with iron grey hair. He looked younger than his age in the patterned shirt he wore.

“Well, Neil just leapt from his chair, pushing it back and and everyone’s faces just enveloped in huge smiles. We all banged the table and said ‘here he is!’ and simultaneously stood up as an instincive mark of respect.

“With our chairs pushed back chaotically, Mr Mandela proceeded to greet each of us round the table, and he moved quite quickly as he ably negotiated the obstacles of the heavy chairs.

Lord Jones remembers how future Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown were also in the room that day, and said Mr Mandela’s impromptu visit had the same effect on all those present.

“I remember awaiting my turn with excitement - astounded because I hadn’t been informed of this remarkable development - this was world history in the room!

“I was to meet one of the planet’s most illustrious heroes - a world statesman who epitomised the brotherhood of man.

“Mandela had a noble bearing; he carried himself like a monarch but he smiled amidst his inate dignity and made everyone else smile.

“He had proclaimed a message of the most powerful kind and people the world over wished to follow his example.

“When I shook his hand I felt the firmest of grips - his eyes looked directly into yours - they were eyes that compelled.

“You would only tell the truth to them - they were penetrating. One knew immediately that he had a commanding personality.”

During their brief meeting, Lord Jones told Mandela that he represented Wales, to which the leader laughed and said he ‘knew about Wales’.

“I think it was a rugby union thing. He laughed with me before he moved on as he was on a very tight schedule,” he said.

“After he left, the rest of the meeting was an anti-climax. We professional talkers fell silent for an instant and I knew this would remain a highlight in the futures of all in the room.

“Last night my wife Janet and I returned from a concert and saw the news on TV. As soon as I saw his face I knew instantly he had gone.

“I had known he was very weak, but it was still a shock to hear such sad news. It was an historic moment.

“Mr Mandela was a man of authority, he radiated friendship. I think his eyes were the strongest I’d ever encountered - he was a man of steel.”