A much-loved local businesswoman has received her MBE from Prince Charles.

Violet Weston, better known as Auntie Vi, has been serving ‘proper’ tea and homemade cakes at the Ye Olde Worlde Cafe in Bosherston, for more than 70 years.

The 88-year-old went to London just before Christmas to receive her MBE for services to hospitality and the tourist industry in Pembrokeshire.

Accompanied by her son Kim Weston and two nieces, Vi said she enjoyed a chat with the Prince while receiving her award at the ceremony in Buckingham Palace.

“I told him I remembered his visit to Castlemartin to complete his helicopter training during his 20s.

“He said to me, ‘I hope I didn’t make too much noise’.”

She added: “The palace was beautiful, with Christmas trees and decorations.

“It was marvellous and I felt very honoured.”

Vi’s parents, Caeser and Sarah Jane Evans, set up the popular tea rooms in 1921. Vi and her husband Don took over as proprietors for more than half a century, until Don died in March 2003.

With no mention of retirement, Vi continues to run the business, the home she has lived in all her life. She credits her late husband, her family and friends for her continued success.

“I owe all this to my husband, who renovated this place and made it so easy to run myself.

“My son Kim and his wife Sheila are wonderfully supportive and I have a great family and many friends who I can call on if I need anything,” she said.

Following the royal ceremony, Vi and her family enjoyed a lunch at the House of Commons with local MP Nick Ainger and were given a tour around the Houses of Parliament.

“It was a beautiful lunch and a wonderful day,” she added.

The inspirational pensioner has also recently discovered she will receive an Evergreen shopkeepers’ diploma in recognition of her achievements.