MILFORD Haven will host an 'action-packed' weekend of powerboat racing this summer.

The Powerboat P1 National Championships's Welsh Grand Prix will take place between July 14 and 16.

Following in the footsteps of Ironman and Red Bull Cliff Diving, the adrenalin-fuelled event is expected to further grow Pembrokeshire's reputation as a host of world-class events.

Centred around the new Milford Waterfront development, this will be the only venue in Wales to welcome the powerboat racers in 2017.

Neil Jenkins, Destination Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said “Attracting world-class events is a key part of Milford Waterfront’s strategy and we’ve worked closely with Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council to bring the P1 National Championships to Pembrokeshire.

"This will be an outstanding event which will help in drawing international attention to Pembrokeshire and Wales.

"We are looking forward to working with local businesses and community groups in the run up to the event to maximise the economic benefit and to ensure racers and spectators leave wanting to come back.”

It is understood the event will cost around £100,000 to host.

To date, the Port of Milford Haven has received backing of £30,000 from the Welsh Government, and £10,000 from Pembrokeshire County Council, plus support in kind.

At its recent precept meeting, Milford Town Council voted to delay making a general donation, and will instead meet with the Port to discuss funding a specific part of the event.

The Grand Prix fits well with the Port's vision of revitalising the existing waterfront, transforming it into a retail and maritime 'destination'.

Its plans to redevelop the area are predicted to create around 600 local jobs, and boost the local economy.

Racers will use Milford Waterfront as their base throughout the event, and the Port has said there will also be "exciting build-up activities, events and hospitality" for spectators.

The race itself is set to feature Pembrokeshire’s own Powerboating team, Daisy and Sam Coleman, who are sponsored by Milford Waterfront in 2017.

The team, Coleman Racing, claimed the P1 Superstock National Championship title in Bournemouth last year and were the first team in the series’ history to podium at every event.

They will be using Milford Waterfront as their base for training and testing throughout the winter, as well as hosting experience days in the coming year with a variety of boats and jet skis on show.