Richard Burton bench unveiled in hometown

Stage and screen star Richard Burton, pictured in 1970

Richard Burton's granddaughter has unveiled a bench in his hometown as a tribute to the Hollywood acting legend.

Charlotte Burton cut the ribbon on the bench outside the former Bethel Chapel in Pontrhydyfen, Neath Port Talbot, where his packed memorial service took place in 1984.

Burton, who was born and raised in the village, was one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, winning numerous awards for his roles both on stage and screen.

Inscribed on the bench are the words "To begin at the beginning" - the opening line from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, in film and audio versions of which Burton famously featured.

"Although known for his stints of extravagance grandpa Rich was ultimately a man of simple pleasures," said Ms Burton, who was accompanied by her grandfather's niece Sian Owen.

She added: "Is there a better simple pleasure than a bench in the sun with a good view?”

Ms Burton, who has lived in America all her life, added that she had stayed in Pontrhydyfen with Ms Owen for two "remarkably sunny" weeks last summer.

"It was incredible to hear and see how grandpa’s impact felt so alive even after 40 years since his passing," she said.

And although she never got to meet her grandfather - who died in Switzerland in 1984, aged 58 - Ms Burton described being very aware of him through his recorded work, his media presence and Wales itself.

Richard Burton’s granddaughter Charlotte Burton (left) and niece Sian Owen (right) attended the unveiling of the bench

"“To me the Welsh lens has always been the clearest and most humane," she said.

"Wales’ past and present community leaders and cinema fans are without a doubt the most central pillar in upholding his impact."

Ms Owen, whose mother Hilda was Burton’s sister, said of the bench: "The simplicity of it is beautiful."

She added: "He was always 'Uncle Rich' to me, not the famous mega-star.

"I remember as a little girl him sending presents to me from America."

The bench was the idea of community organisation Burton Bont Festival Group, which is organising a series of events, including a gala concert, to mark next year’s centenary of the actor’s birth.

There is also mural to Burton on the side of the Miners Arms pub in Pontrhydyfen, which is where the late actor’s father used to drink and where his parents met and married.