The famous Victorian organ at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, has been extended and brought up to date - thanks to a member of the congregation.

Retired industrialist and designer, Peter Cowper-Coles, of the Croft, Tenby, has donated a substantial sum to improve and enhance the 140-year-old organ.

The generous gift is in memory of his wife Pam, a former wren (WRNS) whom Peter met 65 years ago at Milford Haven, while both served in the wartime navy.

Pamela served on HMS Skirmisher. Peter was in the RNVR on radar duties aboard HMS Palomares, working on convoy protection.

The organ extension, using the latest digital technology, was dedicated by Tenby's rector, Rev Andrew Davies, at a service attended by Peter's family and friends.

A recent Ambassador of Afghanistan and now envoy for the UK to Afghanistan and Parkistan spoke in tribute to Pam.

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Peter's nephew, said Pam was a remarkable woman. He praised her love of Tenby and her friendly and positive manner with everyone from all walks of life.

Sir Sherard, previously ambassador to Israel and Saudi Arabia, said he was proud to have had Pam as an aunt.

The Rev. Andrew said in his address: "This organ - this king of instruments - is part of our love to God. And how amazing that our recent work on it is also a gift of love - the love that Peter has for his wife - that even death can't diminish for him."

The evening before, Peter hosted a celebration dinner at the Fourcroft Hotel, Tenby. As well as Sir Sherard's wife, Lady Bridget, prominent members of the medical world, who attended Pam during her long illness, were present. They included leading cancer specialist Professor Karol Sikora.

Doctor John Harrison, St. Mary's head of music, said: "I'm grateful and delighted with Peter's kind gift. St. Mary's organ has always made an important musical contribution to Pembrokeshire, and now that's even more true."

Pam Cowper-Coles, the daughter of Ralph and Winifred Ford, of Tenby, died in 2005. A new brass plaque in St. Mary's, commissioned by Mr. Cowper-Coles, spoke of her '84 years devotion to Tenby'. It records her 'vibrant, selfless personality'.

To mark the new organ extension, an illustrated booklet, by broadcaster Malcolm Stacey, designed by daughter Eleri and researched by Peter, tells the story of organ music in Tenby, with links to Charles Darwin, T. H. Huxley, a 'phantom menace' and the murderous thugees of India.