AFTER several years in the catering business, Rachel Morgan was looking for a fresh challenge and the chance to branch out on her own.

So, with the help of her mother Joan, she decided to set up a new cafe and restaurant business in Milford Haven.

Having found a property overlooking the waterway, the duo set about transforming it into the sort of place they themselves would go to eat.

"People did wonder whether it would work," said Joan. "But our gut feeling was that with the right premises and right food it would.

"We trusted the people of Milford, and Milford has stood by us. It's been highly successful and we're thrilled to bits."

The mother and daughter received a grant from Pembrokeshire County Council towards the cost of catering equipment.

Since then, Hamiltons, which offers home-cooked healthy food - most of it sourced locally - has been a big success particularly with Milford's professional people and youngsters.

Now the team, which has already expanded from just two to four, plus one Saturday employee, is hoping to expand further by extending its opening hours. It is also looking forward to its first summer.

Rachel believes that supporting such businesses will assist in regenerating the area.

"This business intends to source much of its produce locally, which supports wealth creation within Pembrokeshire and will help to generate much-needed jobs."