A TEAM of young volunteers has helped rebuild part of the Pembrokeshire coastline after it was battered by recent storms.

As part of their activities with the Prince’s Trust, the 16 to 21-year-olds have been working to clean up Marloes Sands, picking up litter and rebuilding steps leading down to the beach.

On Wednesday (February 26), 12 members of the team trekked across the beach at low tide, accompanied by team leaders Lee Rees and Gary McHale, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Ranger Hayley Barrett.

After working together to transport tools and materials across the pebbles, the group put the finishing touches on a set of steps that had been completely destroyed in the bad weather.

Lee said the steps were vital to surfers and walkers, who could otherwise be trapped down the far end of the beach by the tide.

He said the group wanted to help clean the beach as it is important to the local economy, and popular with tourists.

Sixteen-year-old Tom Saunders, from Haverfordwest, had been dreading working outside, but is now happy he got involved.

“I love it, it’s amazing. I find it really easy to talk to everyone and you’re never bored.”

Leah Reynolds, 17, from Haverfordwest, said the beach clean had been really rewarding, and working with others was helping resolve her trust issues and build her confidence.

She added that schools and colleges could benefit from having more outdoor lessons, as many people find ‘being stuck in a classroom’ boring.

“I didn’t even realise I liked being out and about,” she said.

Hayden Westcott, from Milford Haven, said team work was at the centre of everything the group did, from paper work to shovelling cement.

“Whatever we’re doing, we’re always communicating,” added 18-year-old said.

Through work programmes, activities and fundraising, the Prince’s Trust helps 58,000 young people across the UK learn new skills and make friends. To find out more, visit www.princes-trust.org.uk.