A GROUP of Fishguard residents who welcome cruise ship visitors is the latest winners of the 15th Pride in Pembrokeshire award

Fishguard Friendly Faces (FFF) is group of local volunteers, passionate about north Pembrokeshire, who welcome cruise ship passengers and other independent travellers to the twin towns of Fishguard and Goodwick.

Pride in Pembrokeshire panel members said they were particularly impressed with the group's "commitment to delivering a volunteer-led approach to welcoming visitors to the area and promoting the twin towns, not to mention the pride you have in your community."

Under the organisation of Fishguard Bay Welcome Stena Line Port Fishguard Harbour, the FFFs providing the initial contact and welcome for passengers and crew from the visiting cruise lines. Whatever the weather they are on the quay side wearing their unique bespoke multi coloured gilets.

"Rain or shine, even at 7.30 in the morning, we will attend with the same aim; to showcase the towns and area where we live," said Fishguard Bay Welcome co-ordinator Alex Harding.

"We wave coaches off, and welcome them back with a friendly smile and a Welsh cake, enquiring as to how the day has gone.

"We even dance to musical entertainment on the quay side and passengers are smitten by the sense of community they experience in their short time with us which is what we want to achieve."

In two years the group has grown from six members to become an inclusive group of 29, involving people of all ages and backgrounds.

"Our aim is simple," added Alex. "We want to promote north Pembrokeshire and have fun while doing so and I think we do that pretty well. The passengers seem to think so anyway and that's all that matters."

Launched in 2017, the Pride in Pembrokeshire Awards are a partnership between the Pembrokeshire Public Services Board (PSB) and the Western Telegraph – with each winning entry awarded £200.

To submit an application for the next Pride in Pembrokeshire £200 cheque, download the application form from the PAVS website – www.pavs.org.uk – or contact PAVS on 01437 769422 to receive a hard copy.