THE valued contribution made by charities in Pembrokeshire have been recognised by the High Sherriff of Dyfed.

Professor Medwin Hughes presented certificates on behalf of the Shrievalty of Dyfed recently to celebrate a number of local groups and some from Carmarthenshire.

Pembrokeshire charities included Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal, the Paul Sartori Foundation, Pembrokeshire Cancer Support Group, Pembroke 21C Community Association and Span Arts Narberth.

Professor Hughes, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, paid tribute to the outstanding contribution of each of the volunteers.

He said: “So many people benefit from the unstinting work of those who give up their time to make a difference to their communities. Many here this evening have been volunteering for years and have made an enormous difference to the lives of others and to their communities. Their actions are to be commended and I am delighted to present the Shrievalty Award to thank them for their commitment.

“My wife Fiona and I have been honoured to visit many charities to see at first hand the excellent work that is being achieved by so many of these remarkable individuals. As High Sheriff of Dyfed I am keen to encourage more volunteering within the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion and also to acknowledge the excellent service provided by charities across the region.”

Elly Neville of Pembroke is a recent recipient of the British Citizen Youth Award honouring young people who have made a positive contribution to society, communities, charities and other good causes. Elly, aged 6, has helped raise £50,000 for Ward 10, a cancer ward at Withybush Hospital.

The Paul Sartori Foundation was formed in honour of a remarkable man who saw the need for hospice care in Pembrokeshire. The Shrievalty Award was accepted by Charles Clewett, Jay Moss, John Grieg, and Sandra Dade.

The Pembrokeshire Cancer Support Group, established in 1991, by Doreen Wormell who felt that there was a gap between the patient being diagnosed and being able to come to terms with the fact that they have cancer.

Pembroke 21C Community Association exists to work closely with the whole community to provide a focus for activities that are open to all, in order to encourage pride and community spirit in Pembroke in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.

Span Arts Narberth is are a community arts charity engaged in the provision of an inclusive programme of live arts events and arts-based activities for people in Pembrokeshire. The Span Arts Cheerful Project has been established to help organise exciting creative opportunities in rural communities with the aim of reducing isolation and increasing cheerfulness.