THE support of Milford Haven Port Authority has been ‘crucial’ to the success of Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust, according to members celebrating a milestone year.

Trust members were joined by representatives of the Port Authority to toast the new ventures launched in 2012.

This year the Trust opened the Fleets to Flying Boats Centre with its Glass House Coffee Shop in the Fleet Surgeon’s House, one of the iconic Dockyard buildings owned by Milford Haven Port Authority.

Stella Hooper, the Port Authority’s community liaison officer, has worked closely with the Trust since it was formed in 2006 and helped deliver the funding for the popular Flying Boat Centre and Workshop, which has had 25,000 visitors in three-and-a-half years.

Now the Port Authority is a key partner in ventures developing new visitor attractions which are telling more of Pembroke Dock’s military heritage.

Stella said: “It is very exciting to see the Trust’s plans come together and really make a difference.

The Port Authority recognises that we can make a very positive contribution to this development which is creating new attractions in the town, bringing visitors here from all over the world.

“Heritage initiatives promoted by the Sunderland Trust are part of the regeneration of the dockyard area, much of which is owned by the authority.”

Sunderland Trustee Phil Thompson said: “The support of the Port Authority has been crucial to our progress so far. Without the involvement of partners like Milford Haven Port Authority we cannot realise our heritage vision for this community with its wonderful history.”