THE great and the good of Fishguard businesses and the wider community were celebrated at the inaugural Fishguard and Goodwick Community Business Awards last Monday.

Organised by Fishguard Bay Welcome and Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Trade, a panel of independent judges drew up a shortlist of finalists back in September.

The voting was then thrown open to the public who had the chance to choose their top eatery, accommodation, shopfront, event, community champion and overall asset.

At a warm and welcoming awards ceremony last Monday the winners of each category were announced.

Goodwick's Farmhouse Kitchen took the award for best eatery, with the Rose & Crown and Ffwrn coming runners up.

The four star Manor Town House won the best accommodation category, Fishguard Bay Hotel and Fishguard Bay Resort also made the shortlist.

The award for best shop front went to Button Tree Lane, with Charlton's Opticians and Tir y Mor coming runners up.

The Round Table won the award for best local event for the carnival. Fishguard's New Year's Eve street party and Aberjazz jazz festival were also commened for their efforts.

The venue of the awards, Fishguard's community-run venue, Theatr Gwaun, was named the community's best overall asset with Round Table and Transition Bro Gwaun also commended.

Town councillor, founder of Light Night and chairman of Ffrindiau Ysgol Wdig, Lucy Wilkes, won the accolade of the twin town's community champion with Jana Davidson and Tom Latter coming runners up.

"All these events, they have all started somewhere," said Mayor, Janet Wyer. This is another really great first for Fishguard and Goodwick."

Alex Harding, who compered the event, added:

"A big thank you to everyone who has been involved. This is something that will grow and grow."

The awards were sponsored by Cefn y Dre Guest House, Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Trade and Tourism, Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, Fishguard Bay Hotel, Fishguard Bay Resort and Mayor, Janet Wyer.