MID and West AM Simon Thomas sponsored the Countryside Alliance Wales Awards that mark excellence in rural produce, skills, enterprise and heritage.

The ceremony was held in the historic National Assembly building the Pierhead in Cardiff Bay. It was hosted by Rachel Evans, Countryside Alliance director for Wales.

At the event, Simon Thomas met with the team from Pembrokeshire Falconry.

The firm based at Picton Castle, Haverfordwest, was awarded the Wales champion accolade in the farm enterprise category.

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs for Plaid Cymru Simon Thomas said: “It was fascinating to listen to the plans by the team from Pembrokeshire Falconry for a British Bird of Prey Centre at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. It sounds a very interesting project I wish them luck in the future.

“I was delighted to sponsor the Countryside Alliance awards - I congratulate all the nominees on getting to the Wales final.”

Rachel Evans, Countryside Alliance Director for Wales added: “We have had an absolutely fantastic line up of finalists in Wales this year. The competition gets stronger and stronger.

“This year, particularly we have had some very innovative rural enterprises shining through. Each business was an absolute pleasure to visit and I am immensely proud of our winners going forward to represent Wales in the finals, they are rural heroes and great ambassadors for Welsh produce, landscapes and rural communities across Wales.”