Pembrokeshire kids take to the beaches

Youngsters across Pembrokeshire took to thecounty's beaches this summer for a series of unique activity days.

Almost 500 children, aged between eight and 11, took part in 10 Beach Days run throughout July and August at Newgale, Manorbier and Newport.

The activity days were organised by Pembrokeshire Leisure - the leisure arm of Pembrokeshire County Council - with the aid of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the RNLI and the Outer Reef Surf School.

Funded from the Environment Agency's SPLASH grant, the Beach Days uniquely linked the national Free Swimming Scheme (youngsters had to be able to swim 50 metres) to the Blue Flag Beach Award programme for the first time.

Activities on offer included a variety of environmental pursuits run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with the aim of giving children an insight into the natural environment surrounding beaches.

Youngsters also got an introduction to surfing from the Outer Reef Surf School, while the RNLI provided information on beach and water safety and familiarised them with the role of beach lifeguards.

Pembrokeshire Leisure hopes to offer the activities again next summer.