A charity that aims to relieve the effects of poverty in Pembrokeshire has been named the Port of Milford Haven’s Charity of the Year for 2014.

Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship (PATCH) was selected by Port employees to receive financial support and essential donations.

PATCH has been distributing food parcels, clothing and household items to those in a financial crisis for almost six years and has bases in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest and Monkton.

Last year, the charity provided food parcels to 3,000 individuals in Pembrokeshire and clothing to more than 600 people.

This is the first time that the Port has had a staff-nominated charity of the year.

And the Port team is keen to get involved wherever possible by volunteering and taking part in fundraising activities.

Port of Milford Haven corporate affairs director Mark Andrews said: “PATCH received the most nominations from employees across all parts of the business.

“It’s hoped that many will embrace this as an opportunity to help a charity that is unfortunately needed in our community. We are looking forward to working with Tracy and her volunteers at PATCH throughout 2014.”

PATCH Co-ordinator Tracy Olin was delighted with the news. She said: “The Port has been there for PATCH since the beginning and has always been so supportive of everything we do.

“I didn’t think it was possible for them to do much more, but this news is fantastic.

“We’ve had some exciting hopes for PATCH in 2014 and this news means that they may have just become reality.”