Josephine Boraston, from Brynsiencyn on Anglesey, bequeathed about £1.7m to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

BBC Wales' Nan Pickering: "The RSPB believes it's the biggest legacy its ever received"

Mrs Boraston, who made her money in the fashion and jewellery business with her husband, who died in 1980, decided her daughter should not get any money from her estate.

Villagers say Mrs Boraston, who lived in a modest house with her home help, bred Jacob sheep and show dogs.

The eccentric pensioner kept her Boston terrier dogs in heated kennels and gave them a Christmas party every year with a Christmas cake made of dog food.

Despite her modest lifestyle, Mrs Boraston - who died in May - left an estate valued, before tax, at £2,288,191.

Daughter's claims resisted

She left £500 each to the Boston Terrier Club and The International League for the Protection of Horses.

The balance of the money will go the RSPB.

An RSPB spokesman said, "It may be the biggest legacy we have ever received.

"We are grateful to Mrs Boraston and it is going to be very good news for wildlife."

In her will the pensioner asked for her dogs and sheep to be found a new home, where they would be well looked after.