Two Milford Haven volunteers have been hailed as "heroes" after voluntarily caring for disabled children for 21 years.

Pembrokeshire husband-and-wife team Karen and Tony Ratcliffe were one of just three finalists for a Barnardo's Children's Champion Award announced last week.

"We were quite surprised when we heard about this nomination because we don't do anything different than thousands of other people are doing." said Tony.

"We could probably write a book on all the things the children do and say.

"We get a lot out of enjoyment from caring. "

Bernardo's spokeswoman Wendy Flynn said. "They've done some incredible work over the years"

"They've made a huge difference to the lives of both the children and their families"

Over the years they have supported a total of 27 children with a range of complex disabilities, and are looking after five disabled children at the moment.

Barnardo's manager Deirdre Connell says: "Karen and Tony are our longest serving link family and they have provided fantastic support.

"Some of the young people have been linked to Karen and Tony for years. One of the young people they support first came to them as an 11-month old baby, and he is now nearly 17.

"Parents of the young people linked to Karen and Tony speak so highly of them.

"They say the couple go out of their way to make their children feel welcome in their home and they treat all the children linked to them as they would their own.

"They are always willing to go the extra mile and their commitment and enthusiasm shine through."

More information on Barnardo's Pembrokeshire Family link scheme can be found at sharedcarenetwork.org.uk or call Bernado's Cymru on 02920 493387