Going the extra mile to tempt Ironman Wales athletes to their guest house has unlocked a door to extra trade for Bob and Ruth Keys.

Offering healthy food options, space for cycle storage, drying space for wetsuits and an early race-day breakfast are just a few of the ways in which the couple are gearing up to greet contestants taking part in the ultimate triathlon challenge.

When Ironman Wales 2012 comes to south Pembrokeshire on September 16, Bob and Ruth will be drawing on their experience in hosting athletes in last year's inaugural contest to ensure they serve up the warmest of welcomes.

"We could see it was important for us to get involved from the outset, and we were lucky enough to have five athletes and their wives and girlfriends staying with us for the event week," said Bob, of Whitehall Lodge B&B, East Williamston.

"They came from as far afield as Spain, Sweden, Gran Canaria, Belgium and Scotland. Fortunately, the universal language was English, and by the end of the week, the atmosphere was more like a house party.

"We were in touch with the athletes in the weeks ahead of their arrival to make sure of their requirements. They were very specific, and we were delighted to provide for them, including a huge bowl of fruit and home-made granola bars that they could help themselves to, as well as breakfast at 4.30 am on the race day."

While Bob and Ruth didn't quite roll out the red carpet for their visitors, they even bought in extra flooring for the guesthouse bedrooms in case the athletes wanted to keep their expensive bikes close at hand!

Bob is now sharing his tips with other accommodation providers in Pembrokeshire at information seminars staged by Ironman Wales in the county.

He added: "We're really looking forward to the excitement of the Ironman Wales event week - there is great satisfaction in being able to provide for the athletes' needs and really getting involved in the whole cocept."