FISHGUARD and Goodwick have cemented their reputation as towns with a warm Welsh welcome as this year's cruise ship season comes to a close.

This year 26 ships visited Fishguard Harbour, bringing around 5,500 passengers to north Pembrokeshire. They were greeted by local musicians including Goodwick Brass Band, Bois y Wlad, Cor Abergwaun, Fishguard Folk Singers and choirs from local schools.

There were also craft markets showcasing local makers to welcome the large cruise ships.

Also integral to the welcome passenger received were the Fishguard Friendly Faces, a group of around 29 volunteers who greeted the cruise ships to hand out goody bags and impart their local knowledge and enthusiasm.

"They are a great bunch of people," said Alex Harding of Fishguard Bay Welcome (FBW). "We have a good mix of people of all ages, from bump to retirement."

The welcome in Fishguard is being talked about far and wide, even being mentioned at overseas cruise conferences.

"We meet the ships and coming in the passengers say 'we don't get this anywhere else. Thank you for your hospitality. We love the people," said FBW's Jana Davidson.

"Whatever the weather, if the ship gets in we are here. The passengers come off in total amazement that we are stood in the rain to welcome them. They go away remembering the welcome not the weather.

"People who were on cruises last year have come back on cruises this year and they have come back to the area independently."

One of this year's aims was to take the welcome out of the harbour and into the towns. This saw cruise passengers shuttled into Fishguard and welcomed with Welsh cakes, school choirs and folk music in the town hall.

"The whole thing is to market Fishguard and Goodwick as a destination FBW and FFF are the perfect tools to market the towns," said Alex.

"There is a knock-on effect for the town and local businesses such as taxis, the golf course and local cafés and eateries.

"We have worked closely with the tapestry and Ein Hanes and the Church. The feedback from cruise passengers and other visitors to the town has been very positive."

FBW is already planning next year's cruise season and more FFFs are needed.

"Come and have a look, come and see what we do," said Jana. "This is a great opportunity for the town and the community. The ships are coming, we can either do nothing or we can embrace it and make it memorable and put this place on the map."

Alex added:

"We'd like to thank all those have supported us in so many ways.

"If anybody wants to talk to us and give ideas we are always open to it."

To find out more about FFF and FBW see the Facebook page or contact Jana or Alex on alex@fishguardbaywelcome.org.uk or jana@fishguardbaywelcome.org.uk.