A new company in Pembrokeshire is making waves in the world of boat building.

Pembroke Dock based-Milford Haven Multihulls is among a new breed of boat builders helping restore the county's maritime tradition.

The company, founded a year ago by Martin Paine, manufactures high performance multi-hull vessels for the top end of the market.

It aims to tap into the growing trend for luxury cruising and ride the wave of new marina developments proposed for the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Its first production - a 35-foot catamaran - comes off the production line this summer. "It was started by me looking for my own dream boat," said Martin, who moved to Wales in 1995.

Inspired by leading yacht designer John Shuttleworth, he thought that if he liked his work so would other people.

Mr Paine was drawn to Pembrokeshire by its reservoir of maritime skills and lower production costs, and also by the proximity of the Milford Haven waterway.

Helped by a £20,000 grant from Pembrokeshire County Council, he set up the company, which trades under the name Boiling Frog.

The boats are made from Shuttleworth design moulds and aimed at more serious sailors at the luxury cruising end of the market.

The company, which offers sailing cruisers from 9.5 to 14 metres, employs nine people and is hoping to expand further.

"We would like to achieve a greater volume of production and move into the larger market of power catamarans," said Martin.

Councillor David Simpson, cabinet member with responsibility for small and medium-sized enterprises, lifelong learning and skills said the business showed signs of good growth prospects for the future.