AN EVENT to celebrate the award-winning achievements of young people was held at Milford Haven youth centre.

The Routes to Opportunity programme - run by Pembrokeshire Youth Services and Milford Youth Matters, and funded by the Big Lottery - offers young people eight weeks vocational support and training in a number of areas via a host of social enterprise projects.

These include a café; a bicycle workshop and woodwork and gardening facilities.

The project has successfully delivered over a 120 qualifications since it was established in January, 2016, and over 70 per cent of participants go on to enter education, employment or training.

Key to the success of the project is the way it supports young people making such transitions.

The project works in partnership with over 50 organisations which assist by provide ongoing support, advice and guidance thereby allowing the development of skills needed by the local business community.

Simon Jules from St Ishmaels garden centre and Debbie Mills from Tesco were on hand to award certificates to members who have successfully completed the programme, demonstrating the investment such partners have in every aspect of the project.

Members of Milford Haven Rotary Club were also in attendance to show their support and explore how they can help in the future.

Nick Hudd of Pembrokeshire Youth Service said: “Milford Haven has a real sense of community.

"This project shows how statutory, voluntary, big and small business and community organisations are working collaboratively to support the development of the town’s young people.”