A SPECIAL thanksgiving service to honour the work of the emergency services, was organised by Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Wynne Evans and held in Haverfordwest on Sunday.

“Instead of the traditional Church civic service normally hosted by County Council Chairmen, I wanted something specifically aimed at the men and women of the emergency services in order to recognise the marvellous work they do in our county” he explained.

As well as being Chairman of the County Council, Councillor Evans is also Chairman of the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority.

He also has strong links with the Welsh Ambulance Service and is a supporter of both the RNLI and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The thanksgiving service at The Pavilion on the Withybush Showground was privately sponsored and representatives of the emergency services played an active part in proceedings.

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service provided a Colour Party and a Guard of Honour.

Readings were given by the Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Simon Prince; Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Rob Quin and the Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board, Steve Moore.

There were also musical items contributed by the Pembrokeshire Schools’ String Group; the Pembrokeshire School’s Symphonic Brass Ensemble, conducted by Colin Barrett and the Pembrokeshire Youth Choir, directed by Sarah Benbow and accompanied by Seimon Morris.

Eleanor Hodgson also performed a violin solo – the theme from Schindler’s List – with Rebecca Whitehurst as the accompanist.

Prayers were offered by the Secretary of State for Wales and Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb and Fire Service Chaplain, Revd. Canon Illtyd Protheroe.

Guests – including the Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, The Hon. Robin Lewis - were welcomed by Council Chief Executive, Ian Wesley and the Chairman’s Chaplain, Naomi Joseph, led the service, while Councillor Evans delivered an appreciation of the emergency services.