Cafe owner, 87, thrilled with MBE

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A cafe owner who celebrates her 88th birthday later in June said she is thrilled to made an MBE.

Violet Weston took over Ye Olde Worlde Cafe in Bosherston, Pembrokeshire, with her late husband Don in 1952.

She still opens up every morning and said she had no plans to retire as she did not want get by on a state pension.

Mrs Weston, who was recognised for services to hospitality and tourism, added: "It's only because I'm so old and have been in business so long."

The cafe was founded by her parents in 1922 and after she and her husband took it on Mrs Weston said they had kept it as traditional as possible.

Mr Weston died six years ago but his wife said she now had plenty of help from her family.

Peter Ricketts said it was a "great honour"

"People come back year after year and say 'you're not still working are you?'" she said.

"I have a lot of help but I still open up in the mornings.

"I'm not the sort of person who can sit down and do nothing - I like something to get up in the morning for."

She said these days she rarely leaves Bosherston but would be delighted to visit London to receive her MBE as that is where her late husband came from.

"I'm so thrilled. Overwhelmed," she added.

Others in the area to be honoured include Henry and Anne Beaumont who both receive MBEs for their services to the community St David's in Pembrokeshire.

Peter Ricketts, chairman of the Neath and Tennant Canals Trust, is also made an MBE for services to heritage conservation in Wales.

The 76-year-old from Newton, Near Mumbles in Swansea, has been chairman of the trust, which has worked to the restore the Neath and Tennant Canals, since 1989.

"It very enjoyable work," he said.

"It's a great honour for myself and the trust."