PUPILS taking on the great outdoors have been given a boost from the Port of Milford Haven.

Milford Haven School pupils signing up to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are benefitting from new expedition equipment thanks to support from the Port.

The Port has sponsored the Bronze DofE award and will be working with the Pembrokeshire DofE team to give more school pupils from the area the opportunity to develop their skills and achieve their goals.

The DofE award is a voluntary, non-competitive personal development programme of activities for young people.

It is proven to increase participants’ employability and provides them with plenty of discussion points and examples at interviews as they can demonstrate leadership, team building and organisational skills.

The group from Milford Haven School recently took part in a successful Bronze practice expedition to Broad Haven and Newgale which involved an overnight camp and two days of walking.

The practice enables young people to further develop their team working, map reading and camp craft.

It also teaches them the importance of having the right equipment while carrying a fully loaded rucksack.

The group will soon be completing their qualifying expedition and along with volunteering in their communities, learning a new skill and taking part in regular physical activities.

Ian Gwilym, senior relationships manager for DofE Wales, said: “We are delighted that the Port of Milford Haven is supporting the further development of the DofE in Pembrokeshire by becoming a new Bronze Associate Supporter.

"It’s fantastic that the company recognises the benefits that young people accomplish from taking part in the programme which helps them develop skills for work and life.

"Over 11,500 young people enrolled in the DofE across Wales in 2017 and without the charity receiving support from companies like the Port of Milford Haven we would not be able to reach our ambitions for more young people to get involved.”

Anna Malloy, Port stakeholder engagement and communications manager, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is highly regarded by organisations when it comes to recruitment so we’re pleased to be able to support a programme that equips young people with skills and experiences that will benefit them when they’re ready to enter employment.”