A SEA diver dedicated to cleaning the seas around Pembrokeshire clean has been recognised with a ‘Points of Light’ certificate from the Prime Minister.

Dave Kennard, founder of ‘Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners’ (NARC), organises underwater clean-ups to remove marine litter from the Pembrokeshire coast, protecting wildlife and ensuring locals and visitors can enjoy seashore.

On World Oceans Day, Friday, June 8, Stephen Crabb MP presented Dave with the Points of Light certificate on behalf of Prime Minister Theresa May.

His team of volunteer divers work in partnership with the local fishing community and have completed 300 underwater clean-up missions, cleared over 10,000 lead weights and recycled abandoned gear including miles of fishing line.

Mr Crabb said: “Dave has taken his hobby of scuba diving and turned it into a force for good, selflessly giving up his time to clean Pembrokeshire’s coastline and sea bed.

“With this being the ‘Year of the Sea’, I’m delighted that the Prime Minister has recognised the valuable contribution Dave and NARC have done and many congratulations to him on this award.”

Following the presentation, Dave said: “It’s great to see the profile of marine pollution being raised as it’s criminal to see the waste in our seas: I am sure people would be up in arms if it was in their local park or favourite beauty spot, and hopefully would want to do something about it.

“That’s why I set up ‘Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners’ in 2005.”

In a personal letter to Dave, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The work of your voluntary group of divers is making an important contribution to marine conservation efforts on Pembrokeshire’s protected coasts.

“By conducting hundreds of underwater clean-ups, you have shown remarkable dedication to reducing the damaging impact that lost and discarded fishing equipment is having on thousands of marine animals.”

Visit NARC’s website for more information: narcdiving.org.uk