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| Groggs creator John Hughes, 78, from Pontypridd dies | Groggs creator John Hughes, 78, from Pontypridd dies |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The man who created Groggs, the hand-carved caricature statues of sporting heroes and other celebrities, has died. | |
| John Hughes, 78 and from Pontypridd, passed away after a long illness. | |
| His business started small in a garden shed and became well known for models of famous names, starting with Welsh rugby greats like Gareth Edwards and grew to include celebrities like Elvis and local hero Tom Jones. | |
| Pontypridd RFC called him "a passionate supporter of Welsh rugby". | |
| In a website statement the club paid tribute to his support of his local club, and added: "John leaves behind a legacy worthy of his lifetime achievements. A genius, a gentleman, a character - he will be greatly missed." | |
| In 2010 Mr Hughes was awarded an MBE for his services to ceramics. | In 2010 Mr Hughes was awarded an MBE for his services to ceramics. |
| The figures made at the family shop in Treforest, Pontypridd, are exported all over the world. | The figures made at the family shop in Treforest, Pontypridd, are exported all over the world. |
| Groggs auctions have raised thousands for charity over the past 40 years. | Groggs auctions have raised thousands for charity over the past 40 years. |