A MILFORD Haven-based initiative designed to inspire young people to realise their full potential and enter further education and employment, has completed a hat-trick of national awards.

‘Routes to Opportunity’ -- a partnership project between Pembrokeshire Youth services and Milford Youth Matters -- has been running out of the town’s youth centre for five days a week, 50 weeks of the year since January, 2016.

It offers those aged between 16 and 25 an opportunity to gain accredited training and work-based experiences while linking skills development to the needs of local business.

On Monday, November 20 at the Tidy Wales Awards in Cardiff the project – funded by the Big Lottery - picked up another two awards.

Not only did it win the Sustainable Futures Award category but also picked up the event’s most prestigious prize – the Outstanding Achievement Award.

This adds to two trophies already collected this year – the Welsh Government Youth Work Excellence Award for Promoting Employability Skills and a Big Access award.

Nick Hudd, deputy manager of Pembrokeshire County Council’s community youth team, was delighted with the evening’s successes.

“This is a great achievement for all the young people involved in Routes to Opportunity and the role they play in improving the environment and community they live in.

“It recognises the hard work and dedication the team have shown.”