A converted mill perched on the edge of the Pembrokeshire coast path has been named cream of the crop at this year's National Park awards.

The 2008 awards were presented by the Chairman of the national park authority, Cllr Simon Hancock, at a ceremony at Slebech Park yesterday (Wednesday).

Crowned overall winner was the grade II listed Abereiddi Mill, a beautiful conversion in an idyllic spot alongside the coast path. Owners Dr and Mrs Hutchings were praised for their ‘outstanding restoration of an important listed building’. As well as the overall award, the mill won the Conservation or enhancement of the built environment category Special Awards were given to the new Tenby lifeboat station and the renovation of the cloisters at St Davids Cathedral – for their outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of the national park.

The awards are held to recognise and thank the people and organisations whose projects support the park authority’s mission to look after the park.

“The standard of entries has been superb and each of the winning projects is exceptional," said one of the judges, Dave Bown.

“We have seen some tremendous examples of renovated properties which help to protect our heritage. We’ve learned about festivals, educational projects and recreation areas that help to bring the park to life for visitors; businesses which have provided much-needed jobs and services in the county and projects which help to look after the precious landscape which give the park its special status.

“We felt the attention to detail at Abereiddi Mill, both inside and out, was exceptional and the restoration was extremely sympathetic to the area’s important natural environment. The owners really deserve the overall award.”

Other awards went to Trehill Farm, Marloes whose commitment to sustainable land management won them the conservation or enhancement of the rural environment award.

Lockley Lodge scooped the promotion of public enjoyment/understanding of the park award for enhancing public understanding and enjoyment of the national park and Herbrandston Dental Practice's contribution to the local economy netted the promotion of cultural conservation/socio-economic wellbeing of the local community award.