Pembrokeshire fared well in the annual Wales Tourism Awards held at the Vale Resort, near Cardiff, last Thursday.

Among the winners was The Grove, near Narberth - opened in 2009 - which won the 'Best Place to Stay' category (large), while Folly Farm walked off with the 'Best Family Day Out' award.

Praised for being excellent value for money, the judges also awarded the Begelly attraction the 'Digital Marketing' award for its newly launched website and its engagement with visitors through the digital medium, including social media platforms Facebook and Twitter.

The West Wales Tourism Associations won the inaugural 'Best Partnership' award for its excellent work on behalf of tourism businesses in Wales, while Clydey Cottages, near Boncath, were winners of the 'Best Self Catering Place to Stay' (large) category.

FOLLY FARM

Chris Ebsworth, managing director of double celebrating Folly Farm, was delighted with their success.

"We've always ploughed the profits we have made back into the business, " he said. "If you stay still people lose interest. But having a good team around you is even more important. Our frontline staff are at the heart of it all - without them nothing would be possible.

"A huge thank you goes to all the team for their hard work and a massive congratulations to the other Pembrokeshire winners who help make our county such a popular tourist destination."

Zoe Wright, PR and marketing manager, who collected the 'Digital Marketing' award on behalf of the attraction, enthused: "We're delighted to have brought both awards back for the team and I'm especially happy to have received recognition for our digital marketing work.

"Writemedia, our local web development company, share this award with us and I'd like to thank them for their hard work, creative flair and their commitment to the continual improvement of our website and overall digital marketing strategy."

THE GROVE

Neil Kedward, owner of The Grove, Narberth, winner of the 'Best Place to Stay' category (large), said: "I think that what makes us really special is our staff. We take great care in who we bring on board and we have a happy, highly-trained and friendly team.

"Guests consistently comment on it and people come back to stay with us three or four times a year. That's important to us; we want to be the best-loved hotel in Wales."

PARTNERSHIP AWARD

Alison Belton, of Pembrokeshire Tourism, said. "We are delighted to win this award which is recognition for all the hard work of the past few months in delivering for the South West Wales tourism industry."

CLYDEY COTTAGES

Jacqui Davies, of Clydey Cottages, commented: "With three young children of our own we know what parents want from a family holiday, but they do also want the power showers, the comfy sofas and the flat screen TVs and the rest.

"I think it's important to be seen, to ask and to be open so that guests can tell you about a problem and that you can put it right," she added.