Pembrokeshire RNLI lifeguards clinch winning title at awards ceremony

RNLI lifeguards Adam Pitman, Jon Johnston and Coral Lewis, who helped save five lives during a mass rescue at Tenby, have won the ‘unsung hero’ category of the annual Pembrokeshire Tourism awards. The award was sponsored by local radio station Radio Pembrokeshire.

The trio who carried out a dramatic rescue of a group of people from a sandbank on Tenby South beach this summer, were special guests at a gala dinner presentation evening at Tenby De Valence Pavilion. Nearly 160 nominations from 85 businesses were put forward for the 14 prestigious awards, which celebrate and reward the best aspects of tourism related businesses, individuals and organisations throughout Pembrokeshire.

Tension mounted at the gala dinner presentation evening as short-listed finalists, their guests and category sponsors waited to learn the names of the eventual winners. These had been selected after an intensive judging week, involving personal visits to properties and attractions.

Pembrokeshire Tourism's chief executive, Alison Belton said:

‘We were overwhelmed by the amount of entries and nominations received for the awards. The evening really showcased the quality and excellence we have within our tourism industry.’

The RNLI lifeguards joined nearly 300 guests and were treated to a meal of Pembrokeshire produce before dancing the night away. The were presented with a trophy sponsored by the Western Telegraph.

Huw Pendleton, Pembrokeshire Tourism's chairman said:

‘The night was a huge success and it was wonderful to see everyone celebrating this fantastic industry.’

Photograph: Unsung Hero category winners: RNLI lifeguards Adam Pitman, Jon Johnston and Coral Lewis pictured with the team from Radio Pembrokeshire who sponsored the category.