MORE than 75 local charities and groups were given a boost in 2018, thanks to the Port of Milford Haven's community fund.

This included its official charity of the year, mental health service Mind Pembrokeshire, which received direct funding and benefitted from additional fundraising activities undertaken by Port staff.

Each year the Port sets aside a budget to support charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises.

In the last 12 months, it has focused on projects that improve education and skills, as well as arts and culture.

Supported groups include Penhryn School who received funding for equipment to support students, Pembroke Dock Harlequins RFC who received funding towards a new kit for their Under-9s team to take part in the first ever Ospreys Challenge, a time-banking project in Mount Estate, and Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club which received funding for new, lighter oars to enable participants of all abilities to take part.

Alongside its community fund, the Port has a dedicated charity of the year, a scheme that it has been running for five years.

Mind Pembrokeshire was the Port’s charity this year, and it has been raising funds throughout the year in support of the organisation.

Anna Malloy, stakeholder engagement and communications manager at the Port, said: “We are really pleased to be engaging so directly with the community through these charitable schemes.

"It is a pleasure to see the difference we can make to local groups and it is something that everyone at the port takes pride in.”

To apply to the Port’s community fund, visit mhpa.co.uk/community-fund