FIFTY years of St John Ambulance Brigade in Haverfordwest was celebrated at a special event recently.

The first Haverfordwest St John cadets were enrolled on July 11 1967 and since then the young people of the town have demonstrated great commitment to learning first-aid skills, community values and good citizenship.

An exhibition and service was held at St Mary’s Church led by the Prior of St John Wales, Sir Paul Williams.

He presented a formal vote of thanks to Aileen Richards, from Llanstadwell, who took the lead in the formation of the division and promoting its development.

Boys and girls aged 11 to 16 learn nursing skills as cadets and are often seen with senior Brigade members at many local events such as the County Show, triathlons and carnivals.

They also work towards badges of achievements linked to developing independence and self-reliance as well as taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and caring for the elderly.

The service of celebration was conducted by Rt Rev John Saxbee, Assistant Bishop of

St Davids, and it was supported by Major George Hancock, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Keith Dunn, Chief Executive of St John Wales, Gwyneth Rees Trustee to The Priory, Stuart Fletcher, chairman of the St John Council for Pembrokeshire, and his predecessor, Anthony Bowen, and civic leaders. The address was given by Rev Geoffrey Eynon.