North Pembrokeshire can now proudly boast one of the warmest welcomes in the country.

Lilwen McAllister from Pontfaen, near Fishguard has been crowned the AA Landlady of the Year 2006.

Lilwen, a previous finalist three times, was named top landlady out of a shortlist of 20 finalists at the annual awards lunch at Tylney Hall, Hampshire, on May 17th.

Originally from the Gwaun Valley, Lilwen has been running Erw-Lon Farmhouse for 29 years, and has been married to farming husband, Bernard, for 38 years.

On top of this, Lilwen also works on the home farm, plays as the organist at her local parish church, runs the parish news magazine and raises money for charity by singing at events with her sister, Gwenda.

Lilwen said: "I'm really enjoying it, to be honest with you.

"I have always told myself that the minute I am not enjoying my guests arriving, I will be retiring.

"But I don't think that will be any time soon.

"The undercover judge arrived late at night. I never thought for a minute he was a judge - I just thought he was a businessman."

The judge that stayed at the farmhouse said: "The building is very impressive, but more significant is the wonderful personality of the hostess, who dominates this working farmhouse with her contagious humour and warmth.

"It would be hard to imagine a warmer welcome - Lilwen is also a bottomless source of information on local inns, restaurants and tourist attractions.

"An extremely worthy AA Landlady of the Year," he concluded.

AA Inspectors nominated 100 landladies and landlords from more than 4,000 bed and breakfast establishments, and in a tough selection process, 20 finalists were selected.

All award winners are featured in the AA Bed and Breakfast Guide, which remains the UK's best-selling guide.