THREE businesses from Pembrokeshire were among those enjoying the accolades at the Countryside Alliance Rural Oscars for Wales last week.

Pembrokeshire Falconry based at Picton Castle, Haverfordwest was awarded the Wales champion accolade in the farm enterprise category go forward to the UK awards which are hosted in Westminster later on this year.

Sian and Geraint Bowen who run Bethesda Farm Shop near Narberth were highly commended in the butcher category and Megan Davies, owner of Rhwbeth Melys cake company in Maenclochog, was highly commended in the local food category.

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas sponsored the awards which 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. and Pembrokeshire politicians Paul Davies AM and Angela Burns AM joined around 100 people on the evening.

The awards which cover five categories and had over 7000 nominees celebrate the best of Wales’ rural economy and aim to highlight the excellent range of small businesses that are so vital to the Welsh economy.

Pembrokeshire Falconry is a business based out of Picton Castle and run by Alex and Emma Hill. The business covers experience days, weddings and regular displays and woodland walks. The number of birds has increased from three when first set up in 2011 to the current 33 and plans have recently been announced to expand into running a birds of prey centre out of neighbouring Carmarthenshire.

Bethesda Farm and Coffee shop is located at Rose Villa just outside Narberth and offers locally produced produce as well as a coffee shop. It is run by Sian and Geraint Bowen and has a regular stall at Haverfordwest Farmers Market on the last Friday of every month.

Rhwbeth Melys which translates as “something sweet” is a bespoke cake making business run by Megan Davies out of her kitchen in Maenclochog. Megan specialises in creating her own designs for birthday and celebration cakes but also continues to make cupcakes and other everyday treats.